Often implies a person in authority is enforcing control over others by restricting access. The company decided to lock out the striking workers.
Pro Tip 2/3
Tense Situations
It's used in conflicts where one party exerts control, such as during strikes or disputes. The factory owners might lock out the union to pressure negotiations.
Pro Tip 3/3
Temporary
The action of locking out is not necessarily permanent but lasts until resolved. The theater locked out latecomers until intermission.