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to lock away
[phrase form: lock]
01
to put a person in a place where they can not escape from, such as a psychiatric hospital or prison
Example
The authorities locked away the dangerous criminal in a maximum-security prison.
The patient was locked away in a psychiatric hospital for observation.
02
to place something in a container or place that can be securely fastened with a lock
Example
The jeweler locked away the precious gems in a vault for safekeeping.
The homeowner locked away their important documents in a fireproof safe.
to lock oneself away
01
to isolate oneself from others, often for privacy, focus, or to cope with emotions
Example
She locked herself away in her room to study for the exams.
Writers sometimes lock themselves away to concentrate on their work.
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