wall up
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To enclose or seal something completely with a wall: The action of building a wall to close off an opening, entrance, or space, effectively sealing it shut.
Usage
The verb "wall up" is transitive and typically used in the passive voice or with a direct object. It describes the act of using a wall as a means of closure or imprisonment. It often carries a connotation of permanence, isolation, or concealment.
Examples
- Verb:
- The old doorway was walled up during the renovations.
- They decided to wall up the unused fireplace to prevent drafts.
- In the story, the prisoner was walled up alive in the castle dungeon.
Advanced Usage
- "to be walled up": To be enclosed or sealed behind a wall, often implying entrapment.
- The ancient tomb was found to be walled up for centuries.
- "to wall something up": To deliberately close off an area.
- The city council voted to wall up the dangerous cave entrance.
Variants and Related Words
- Wall (v): To provide, surround, or separate with a wall (e.g., ). Note: "Wall" alone is more general, while "wall up" specifically implies sealing.
- Block up (v): To obstruct completely.
- Seal up (v): To close something securely.
Synonyms
- Enclose: To surround or close off on all sides.
- Seal: To close something so that it is airtight or inaccessible.
- Brick up: To fill or close with bricks (a more specific method).
Related Phrasal Verbs
(Note: "Wall up" itself is a phrasal verb. Other related constructions are not direct phrasal verbs of "wall.")
Related Idioms
- "Walled up": Can be used figuratively to describe someone who is emotionally closed off or isolated.
- After the tragedy, he felt completely walled up from the world.
Verb
- enclose with a wall