as in imprisons
to put in or as if in prison
if they catch you, they're going to lock you up and throw away the key!
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for locks (up)
Verb
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Afwerki routinely imprisons his critics and political opponents and has implemented a policy of indefinite mandatory military and national service for residents, which human-rights watchdogs say amounts to slavery.—
Zak Cheney-Rice,
Vulture,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The facility is one of 11 Kentucky jails that contract with ICE to detain people.—
Monroe Trombly,
Louisville Courier Journal,
24 Feb. 2026
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China, which jails human rights activists in Hong Kong, persecutes Uyghurs, has killed hundreds of thousands of Tibetans and has committed genocide against the Falun Gong, is on the UN Human Rights Council.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Places like Los Angeles and Oakland have high permit fees and strict zoning that often confines cans to industrial areas.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
9 Feb. 2026
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In an industry that often confines its actors, especially women and especially Black women, Hall continues to carve a path defined by risk, depth and courage.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
14 Nov. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Locks (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/locks%20%28up%29. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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