Curfew
/ˈkɜːrfjuː/noun
A rule that everyone must stay at home between particular times, usually at night.
The curfew was set at 10.pm, during which everyone had to be at home.
Often appears as...
- impose a curfew
- lift a curfew
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Law Enforcement
Curfew laws can be enforced by the police for public safety during emergencies or unrest.
During the riots, the city council authorized the police to enforce the curfew.
Pro Tip 2/3Context Variability
Curfews can vary by location and situation, like wartime or health-related emergencies.
Residents were surprised when the wartime curfew differed from the one during the recent pandemic.
Pro Tip 3/3Common Misuse
Don't confuse 'curfew' with 'lockdown', which often requires staying home at all times.
The curfew limited nighttime movement, but it was not as restrictive as a lockdown.
Compare with
banconstraintembargolimitationprohibitoryquarantinerestrictionshut down
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