Lukustuvad

Lukustuvad is a verb form in Estonian. It represents the third-person plural present passive form of the verb lukustama, meaning to lock or secure something. In this form, the subject is the thing that becomes locked, while the doer of the locking is not specified. The construction is commonly used to describe a state resulting from locking, rather than an action performed by an explicitly named agent.

Etymology and form: The base verb lukustama derives from lukusta-, with lukustuvad functioning as the present passive for plural subjects. This form contrasts with the active sujeto forms such as lukustab (he/she locks) and with related participles like lukustatud (locked). The present passive can be used with inanimate nouns such as doors, files, accounts, or devices.

Usage: Lukustuvad is widely used in everyday Estonian to indicate that something has become locked or is in the process of being locked, often automatically or as a security measure. Examples include: Uksed lukustuvad automaatselt öösel. Failid lukustuvad pärast sulgemist. Kontod lukustuvad pärast mitme ebaõnnestunud sisselogimise katset. In computing and security contexts, the form describes automatic locking mechanisms or states where access is temporarily or permanently restricted.

Related forms: The corresponding active form is lukustab. The adjective lukustatav means lockable, and the verb lukustuda denotes the process of becoming locked, used with different subject focuses.

See also: In Estonian grammar, lukustuvad is part of a regular verb paradigm for passive present tense, frequently appearing in instructions, security notices, and software documentation.