Lock away
verb
To put something in a safe or secure place and fasten the lock.
She locked away the precious jewels in the safe.
Often appears as...
- lock away valuable
- lock away secret
Usage tips
General,Colloquial
verb
Send someone to prison or another place from where they cannot leave.
The man was locked away for twelve years because of his crimes.
Often appears as...
- locked away in prison
- locked away for crimes
Usage tips
Disapproving
General,Legal
verb
To keep something to oneself, especially a feeling or memory.
He locked away his feelings for her, knowing that she did not feel the same way.
Often appears as...
- lock away feelings
- lock away memories
Usage tips
Literary
verb
To put something in a safe or secure place and fasten the lock.
She locked away the precious jewels in the safe.
Often appears as...
- lock away valuable
- lock away secret
Usage tips
General,Colloquial
verb
Send someone to prison or another place from where they cannot leave.
The man was locked away for twelve years because of his crimes.
Often appears as...
- locked away in prison
- locked away for crimes
Usage tips
Disapproving
General,Legal
verb
To keep something to oneself, especially a feeling or memory.
He locked away his feelings for her, knowing that she did not feel the same way.
Often appears as...
- lock away feelings
- lock away memories
Usage tips
Literary
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Valuable Items
Use 'lock away' for items worth protecting from theft or damage.
After the show, he locked away his guitar.
Pro Tip 2/3Safety Reason
It's often used for putting dangerous items out of reach.
The chemicals were locked away after class.
Pro Tip 3/3Privacy Protection
Can indicate hiding personal information or items from others.
She locked away her diary.
Pro Tip 1/3Valuable Items
Use 'lock away' for items worth protecting from theft or damage.
After the show, he locked away his guitar.
Pro Tip 2/3Safety Reason
It's often used for putting dangerous items out of reach.
The chemicals were locked away after class.
Pro Tip 3/3Privacy Protection
Can indicate hiding personal information or items from others.
She locked away her diary.
Pro Tip 1/3Valuable Items
Use 'lock away' for items worth protecting from theft or damage.
After the show, he locked away his guitar.
Pro Tip 2/3Safety Reason
It's often used for putting dangerous items out of reach.
The chemicals were locked away after class.
Pro Tip 3/3Privacy Protection
Can indicate hiding personal information or items from others.
She locked away her diary.
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