Lockstep

adj, noun

adj, noun ·2 syllables ·Rare ·Advanced level

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A step whereby the toe of one man is brought very close to the heel of the man in front. uncountable, usually
  2. 2
    a manner of marching in file in which each person's leg moves with and behind the corresponding leg of the person ahead wordnet
  3. 3
    Close connection, unison, rigid synchronization. figuratively, uncountable, usually

    "The CIA's analysts learned to march in lockstep, conforming to conventional wisdom."

  4. 4
    a standard procedure that is followed mindlessly wordnet
  5. 5
    An inflexible, rigid or stifling pattern. uncountable, usually
Adjective
  1. 1
    In close connection, in unison, synchronized. not-comparable

    "With both official university policies lock-step in favor of military recruitment, the next move is up to the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations."

Example

More examples

"The soldiers marched in lockstep."

Etymology

From lock + step.

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Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.