lock up

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lock up

The parents lock up the house before leaving on vacation.

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.
lock up

The parents lock up the house before leaving on vacation.

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

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