lock away

phrasal verb

locked away; locking away; locks away
1
: to put (something) in a locked container, place, etc.
The jewelry was locked away in a cabinet.
2
: to put (someone) in a locked place (such as a prison) for a long period of time
lock away a criminal
The state locked their sister away in a psychiatric hospital.
3
: to keep (oneself) alone in a room or place for a long period of time
He locked himself away in his room while he studied.
He was locked away in his room while he studied.

Examples of lock away in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Step 2: All electronics are removed from the bedroom and locked away. Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 23 July 2025 Following the study, parents are advised to lock away their nicotine products rather than storing them in bags or cabinets where curious children may explore. Latoya Gayle, People.com, 14 July 2025 In 2018, White banned cell phone use from his live shows to encourage a more authentic experience for fans, asking them to lock away their devices in pouches upon entry to his concerts. Audrey Gibbs, The Tennessean, 10 July 2025 For the longest time, this kind of technological firepower remained locked away in institutional vaults. Douglas B. Laney, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for lock away

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Cite this Entry

“Lock away.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lock%20away. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

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