Collins Dictionary has named "lockdown" as its Word of the Year 2020 after a sharp increase in its usage amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The dictionary said it added the term because it "encapsulates the shared experience of billions of people who have had to restrict their daily lives in order to contain the virus".
BREAKING NEWS The Collins Word of the Year is… lockdown. Find out more about #CollinsWOTY 2020 and see the full shortlist here: https://t.co/4ZAEE47p9H#wordoftheyear #CollinsDictionary #lockdown pic.twitter.com/3OLL7RfSwS
— Collins Dictionary (@CollinsDict) November 10, 2020
Collins’ lexicographers registered over a quarter of a million usages of “lockdown” during 2020, against only 4,000 the previous year.
According to the dictionary, lockdown is defined as “the imposition of stringent restrictions on travel, social interaction, and access to public spaces”.
Other words that related to the pandemic are also on the list of new additions including "key worker" and "social distancing".
Other words/phrases added this year are Tiktoker (someone who uses the social media site Tik Tok) and Megix (Harry and Meghans exit from the UK)
