dreadlock
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈdrɛdˌlɒk/
KK: /ˈdrɛdˌlɑk/
noun
Definition
A type of hairstyle where hair is twisted and matted into long, rope-like strands.
Example
She wore her hair in beautiful dreadlocks that reached her shoulders.
Conversation
Have you ever thought about getting dreadlocks?
I have! They look really cool and unique.
Yeah, I love how each dreadlock tells a different story.
Exactly! It's like wearing a piece of art on your head.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
lock
braid
tress
Antonyms
straight
smooth
unbraid
verb
Definition
To style hair into long, twisted strands that are often matted together.
Example
She decided to dreadlock her hair for a unique look.
Tense Forms
Past: dreadlocked
Past Participle: dreadlocked
Conversation
Have you ever thought about how to dreadlock your hair?
I have, but I’m not sure if it would suit me.
It can really change your look if done right.
Root Explanation
Dreadlock is formed from "dread" (from Old English *drædan*, meaning to fear or be afraid) and "lock" (from Old English *locc*, meaning a tress or curl of hair). The term refers to a hairstyle where hair is twisted into locks, often associated with a sense of cultural identity and sometimes a fear of societal norms regarding hair.
Memory Tip
Think of 'dread' as a feeling of fear and 'lock' as a tress of hair — together, they describe a hairstyle that can evoke strong cultural feelings.
Visually Confused Words
deadlock
headlock
relock
redock