locked up
The phrase "locked up" is versatile, often referring to confinement, security, or immobilization in various contexts.
Definition
B2Law Enforcement
(informal, idiomatic)Confined or detained in a prison or jail.
Example
- He was locked up for the night after the arrest.
- Many believe that dangerous criminals should be locked up for life.
B2Security
(general)Stored or kept in a secure place to prevent access or use.
Example
- The valuable documents were locked up in a safe.
- She always locks up her jewelry when she leaves the house.
C1Finance
(technical)Invested in a way that makes it difficult to convert into cash.
Example
- The company locked up its funds in long-term bonds.
- His money is locked up in real estate investments.
C2Printing
(technical)Secured type or pages in a chase to make them immovable.
Example
- The printer locked up the type in the chase.
- Properly locking up the pages ensures accurate printing.
B2Machinery
(general)Immobilized or rendered inoperative, often referring to machinery or systems.
Example
- The engine locked up due to lack of oil.
- The computer system locked up and needed a reboot.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "locked up":
lock uplockup houseunder lock and keylock downtied upjail lockblocked uplock onjammed uplock inbound uplock intoblock uplock outin ironsbricked upjail barswrapped upcorked uptie upfreeze upfenced inseize uplaid upbottle upbooked upshut inbind up