Definition

1. 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

1. enclose with a wall