# brick up

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/brick-up
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to close an opening, like a window or door, by building a wall of bricks across it.

For teachers: to seal or block an aperture in a structure using masonry; typically used in the context of architectural modification or permanent closure.

## Examples

- They decided to brick up the old fireplace.
- The owners had to brick up the side window to comply with the new privacy laws.
- During the renovation, the architect suggested we brick up the redundant doorway to create a more continuous gallery space for the paintings.

## Pitfalls

- Not "They bricked the window up with stones." but "They bricked up the window." — while 'brick up' is separable, the material is implied by the verb itself; if using stones, use 'block up' or 'wall up' instead.

## Usage notes

- usually takes a physical opening like a door, window, or archway as its object.
- Teaching tip: this is a literal phrasal verb where 'up' implies completion or total closure; compare with 'board up' which uses wood instead of bricks.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.