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to lock up
[phrase form: lock]
01
to close or secure something in a place where it cannot be removed or accessed without the appropriate authorization, key, or combination
Examples
He remembered to lock the house up before leaving for vacation.
The scientist locked up the dangerous chemicals in a secure laboratory.
02
to confine a person in a place, such as a prison, where they cannot escape without one's permission
Examples
The police locked up the suspect in the detention center.
The judge ordered the defendant to be locked up in the jail pending their trial.
