Antonyms for lock up

Grammar : Noun, verb

Spell : lok

Phonetic Transcription : lɒk

Definition of lock up

Origin : "means of fastening," Old English loc "bolt, fastening; barrier, enclosure," from Proto-Germanic *lukan (cf. Old Norse lok "fastening, lock," Gothic usluks "opening," Old High German loh "dungeon," German Loch "opening, hole," Dutch luik "shutter, trapdoor"). "The great diversity of meaning in the Teut. words seems to indicate two or more independent but formally identical substantival formations from the root."
The Old English sense "barrier, enclosure" led to the specific meaning "barrier on a river" (c.1300), and the more specific sense "gate and sluice system on a water channel used as a means of raising and lowering boats" (1570s). Wrestling sense is from c.1600. Phrase under lock and key attested from early 14c.

As in coop : noun pen
As in imprison : verb confine; put in jail
As in incarcerate : verb put in jail, confinement
As in jail : verb incarcerate
As in monopolize : verb dominate, control
As in assure : verb make certain
As in possess : verb have or obtain
As in prohibit : verb make impossible; stop
As in put away : verb incarcerate
As in restrain : verb keep under control; hold back
As in secure : verb obtain
As in secure : verb attach, tie up
As in store : verb collect and put aside
As in tie/tie up : verb hamper, hinder
As in bind : verb obligate; restrict
As in tie up : verb hamper
As in cage : verb hold in enclosure
As in acquire : verb obtain or receive
As in immobilize : verb tie
As in mew : verb enclose
As in stash : verb hide
As in coop : verb confine
As in corral : verb enclose
As in affirm : verb declare the truth of something
As in enclose : verb put inside, surround
As in ensure : verb guarantee; make secure
As in forbid : verb outlaw, prohibit an action
As in get : verb come into possession of; achieve
As in have : verb be in possession
As in hide : verb conceal; remain unseen
As in hold : verb have in one's hands, possession; grasp

Example sentences :

Lady Mary said it was bed-time and the servants wanted to lock up.
Extract from : « Jan and Her Job » by L. Allen Harker

We finished, I to pocket, the Prince to lock up, the papers.
Extract from : « The Memoirs of Louis XIV., His Court and The Regency, Complete » by Duc de Saint-Simon

"I'll be back to lock up, Cap'n Sears," called Asaph, reassuringly.
Extract from : « Fair Harbor » by Joseph Crosby Lincoln

There, now, I perceive the fellow is about to lock up for the night, and I must leave this.
Extract from : « The O'Donoghue » by Charles James Lever

I have sent home all the clerks, and was just about to lock up for the night.
Extract from : « Young Mr. Barter's Repentance » by David Christie Murray

"I've a good mind to lock up," remarked Dan, as he reached the dooryard.
Extract from : « For the Liberty of Texas » by Edward Stratemeyer

"We'll use it for our jail to lock up the bad ones in," jested Dick.
Extract from : « The Grammar School Boys Snowbound » by H. Irving Hancock

But I'm supposed to stay 'ere till eleven-thirty and lock up!
Extract from : « Jill the Reckless » by P. G. (Pelham Grenville) Wodehouse

Light thought it as well to lock up the Elements and Things.
Extract from : « The Blue Bird for Children » by Georgette Leblanc

If it were not, the form would not lock up, or fit together.
Extract from : « Paul and the Printing Press » by Sara Ware Bassett

Synonyms for lock up

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019