Abstract: Locking device for the closing lid of a washing machine or the like, comprising an enclosure (1) housing a cursor (7) sliding between a holding position of the latch (5) mounted on the lid and a releasing position from the same, and an electromechanical delaying device (20) capable of locking said cursor (7) through a pawl (21) in a holding position. The cursor (7) is actuated by a second sliding cursor (6) subjected to the action of elastic means (8) and fitted with a portion (11) profiled to form a slope, which is capable of inducing a backward motion of the pawl (21) in case of a forced opening of the lid.