Phrasal verb
locked up
Definition
phrasal verb. to be in prison or a place you cannot leave. You also use this when you close and lock all the doors of a building.
phrasal verb. to be incarcerated or confined in a secure facility; also functions as the past participle of the phrasal verb 'lock up', meaning to secure a premises.
Examples
“The criminal is locked up in a small cell.”
“The store is always locked up by the manager before he leaves for the night.”
“After the verdict was read, the defendant was immediately locked up to await sentencing in a high-security facility.”
Examples
simple
“The criminal is locked up in a small cell.”
contextual
“The store is always locked up by the manager before he leaves for the night.”
complex
“After the verdict was read, the defendant was immediately locked up to await sentencing in a high-security facility.”
Usage
frequently used in the passive voice to describe someone being in prison.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'lock out' to help students visualize the direction of confinement.
Pitfall
He was locked up for steal.
He was locked up for stealing.
the preposition 'for' must be followed by a gerund when describing the reason for imprisonment.
Phrasal verb
Particles
up
Separability
optional
Pattern
lock + up + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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