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seal up

B1 neutral separable transitive
In simple words

To close something so tightly that nothing can get in or out

Literal meaning: To seal (close completely) something up — fairly transparent; 'up' intensifies the completeness of the action

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

To close a container, package, or opening completely and securely

"She sealed up the envelope and left it on his desk."

Grammar: separable
2 B1 neutral

To fill or cover gaps, cracks, or holes in a structure to make it airtight, watertight, or weatherproof

"They sealed up the cracks around the windows before winter to stop the draughts."

Grammar: separable
3 B2 idiomatic informal

(Figurative) To suppress or lock away emotions, memories, or feelings

"After the divorce, he sealed up all his grief and threw himself into work."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Used for practical tasks like sealing envelopes, packaging, gaps in windows, or buildings. 'Up' emphasises completeness. Also used figuratively for closing off emotions or memories.

Commonly used with

envelope gap crack box container wound

Forms

Base
seal up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
seals up
he/she/it
Past simple
sealed up
yesterday
Past participle
sealed up
have + pp
-ing form
sealing up
continuous

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Synonyms

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