Definition

Verb: - To seal or cover an opening (such as a window, doorway, or arch) by constructing a wall of bricks in that space. This action permanently closes the opening.

Usage

This verb describes the specific construction action of using bricks to fill an opening, making it part of a solid wall. It implies a permanent closure. - The verb is typically used in the passive voice ("was bricked over") or in the past tense to describe a completed action. - It often appears in contexts related to building renovation, history, or architectural changes.

Examples

• Verb:
  • The old fireplace had been bricked over decades ago.
  • They decided to brick over the window to improve the building's insulation.
  • During the renovation, the original doorway was bricked over to create more wall space.

Advanced Usage

• "to brick something over": The standard phrasal verb construction.
  • The previous owners bricked the archway over.

Variants and Related Words

• Brick up (phrasal verb): A near-synonym meaning to fill an opening with a brick wall. "Brick over" and "brick up" are often used interchangeably.
  • They had to brick up the opening for safety reasons.

Synonyms

• Wall up: To close an opening with any wall material.
• Seal up: To close something securely (more general, not specific to bricks).

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Brick in: To enclose or surround something with a brick structure. This can imply enclosing on multiple sides, not just covering a front opening.
  • The garden was bricked in to create a private courtyard.

Verb

1. wall up with brick