---
title: "lock(before:)"
framework: foundation
role: symbol
role_heading: Instance Method
path: "foundation/nsconditionlock/lock(before:)"
---

# lock(before:)

Attempts to acquire a lock before a specified moment in time.

## Declaration

```swift
func lock(before limit: Date) -> Bool
```

## Parameters

- `limit`: The date by which the lock must be acquired or the attempt will time out.

## Return Value

Return Value true if the lock is acquired within the time limit, false otherwise.

## Discussion

Discussion The condition associated with the receiver isn’t taken into account in this operation. This method blocks the thread’s execution until the receiver acquires the lock or limit is reached.

## See Also

### Acquiring and Releasing a Lock

- [lock(whenCondition:)](foundation/nsconditionlock/lock(whencondition:).md)
- [lock(whenCondition:before:)](foundation/nsconditionlock/lock(whencondition:before:).md)
- [try()](foundation/nsconditionlock/try().md)
- [tryLock(whenCondition:)](foundation/nsconditionlock/trylock(whencondition:).md)
- [unlock(withCondition:)](foundation/nsconditionlock/unlock(withcondition:).md)