curfew

cur·few

noun \ˈkər-(ˌ)fyü\

Definition of CURFEW

1

: the sounding of a bell at evening

2

a : a regulation enjoining the withdrawal of usually specified persons (as juveniles or military personnel) from the streets or the closing of business establishments or places of assembly at a stated hour

b : a signal to announce the beginning of a curfew

c : the hour at which a curfew becomes effective

d : the period during which a curfew is in effect

Examples of CURFEW

1. The teens were stopped by police for violating the curfew.
2. The city ordered a curfew soon after the rioting started.
3. The town was placed under curfew.
4. No one is allowed on the streets during the curfew.
5. He has a 10 o'clock curfew.

Origin of CURFEW

Middle English, from Anglo-French coverfeu, signal given to bank the hearth fire, curfew, from coverir to cover + fu, feu fire, from Latin focus hearth

First Known Use: 14th century

Rhymes with CURFEW

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