When you bid on something, but are outbid, does your money come back to you?

I know this is a stupid question.. I'm fairly new... 

The money is taken and locked into the auction from the moment of bidding until the end. Then the non-winners will get all their money back.

I guess it's to prevent people accidentally spending too much on different auctions and losing track of where money is owed, possibly ending up bankrupt or something.

edit: at least, I think it's like that? Memory is a bit fuzzy. Someone else please correct this if I'm wrong. :)

Thank you! It makes sense.