lock up etymology

Etymology and Origin

The phrase "lock up" originated in the middle of the 16th century as a reference to imprisoning someone or securing a place with a lock. It derives from the Old English word "locian," meaning "to fasten with a key," and "up," which signifies "completely" or "tightly."

Meaning

The meaning of "lock up" has evolved over time, but it generally refers to:

• Imprisoning: Placing someone in a jail or prison cell.
• Detention: Holding someone in custody for questioning or investigation.
• Locking: Securing a building, room, or other space with a lock, such as a door or gate.
• Storing: Placing an object in a locked location for safekeeping.
• Securing: Making something secure or inaccessible by locking it.

Usage

"Lock up" is commonly used in the following contexts:

• "The police locked up the suspect for questioning."
• "It's getting late, let's lock up the store."
• "I locked up my valuables in the safe."
• "The house was securely locked up before we left."
• "The library will lock up at 5:00 pm."

lock up relate terms

• lock

  Etymology The word lock comes from the Old English word loc meaning a closed place

• lock

  Etymology The word lock comes from the Old English word loc meaning a closed place

• shim

  Etymology The word shim is believed to have originated from one of the following source

• enclave

  Etymology Middle English enclaue from Old North French enclaver from Late Latin inc

• furl

  Etymology The word furl comes from the Middle Dutch word vorlen meaning to fold up

• slot

  Etymology The word slot originated from the Old Norse word slátr meaning a bar or

• serried

  Etymology Late 16th century from French serré verb or serré adjective from Old

• latch key

  Etymology The term latch key is derived from the following words Latch A simple mec

• kitty

  Etymology The word kitty is a diminutive of the word cat The exact origin of cat

• house

  Etymology The word house has an Indo European root h₁eu̯s This root also gave r

• Cincinnati

  Etymology The name Cincinnati is derived from the Latin phrase Cincinnatus qui colit

• soul

  Etymology The word soul traces its origins to the Proto Indo European root h₂enh₂