Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To confine or imprison someone by locking them in a place: The action of securing a person in a room, building, or other enclosure so they cannot leave.
   • To secure something by locking it in a safe place: The action of placing an object in a secure location (like a safe, box, or room) and locking it to prevent theft or removal.

Usage Examples

• Verb (confining a person):

  • The sheriff had to lock up the dangerous criminal.
  • He threatened to lock up his noisy neighbors if they didn't stop the party.

• Verb (securing an object or place):

  • Remember to lock up the office when you are the last to leave.
  • She locked up her important documents in the filing cabinet.

Advanced Usage

• "to be locked up" (passive voice): To be imprisoned or confined.
  • He was locked up for ten years for his crimes.
• Figurative use for emotions/ideas: To hide or suppress something internally.
  • She locked up her feelings and never spoke about the pain. (Note: This is a less common, metaphorical extension of the core meaning.)

Variants and Related Words

• Lockup (noun): A jail or a place for temporary confinement.
  • The suspect was held in the police station's lockup.
• Lockable (adjective): Capable of being locked.
  • The shed has a lockable door.

Synonyms

• Imprison / Incarcerate: To put or keep someone in prison.
• Confine: To keep someone restricted within limits.
• Secure: To fasten or lock something to keep it safe.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Lock away: Very similar to "lock up," often used for both objects and people, sometimes with a stronger implication of long-term or permanent storage/confinement.
  • They locked away the family heirlooms in the bank vault.
  • The judge ordered him to be locked away for life.
• Lock in: To prevent someone or something from leaving a place.
  • I accidentally locked myself in the bathroom.

Related Idioms

• Lock, stock, and barrel: Completely, including every part. (While containing the word "lock," this idiom is separate from the phrasal verb "lock up").
  • They sold the business lock, stock, and barrel.

Verb

1. place in a place where something cannot be removed or someone cannot escape
   • The parents locked her daughter up for the weekend
   • She locked her jewels in the safe
2. secure by locking
   • lock up the house before you go on vacation