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Curfew Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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curfew

[ˈkərfjuː ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

during protests

A regulation requiring people to remain indoors between specified hours, typically at night.

Synonyms

ban, lockdown, restriction.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
curfew

Used to indicate a specific time by which people must be indoors, often for safety or public order reasons. Commonly applied in emergency situations or for minors.

  • The city imposed a curfew starting at 10 PM to control the unrest.
  • All teenagers have a curfew of 9 PM on school nights.
restriction

A general term for any rule or condition that limits what you can do. It can apply to various domains like movement, behavior, or access.

  • Travel restrictions were imposed to reduce the risk of infection.
  • There are parking restrictions in the downtown area.
ban

Used when something is officially prohibited. It often refers to items, activities, or actions that are not allowed by law or regulation.

  • The government announced a ban on smoking in public places.
  • The school has a ban on using mobile phones during classes.
lockdown

Refers to a state of isolation or restricted access, usually during emergency situations like pandemics or threats. It can apply to buildings, communities, and entire regions.

  • The country went into lockdown to prevent the spread of the virus.
  • The school was put on lockdown after the threat was reported.

Examples of usage

  • Police imposed a curfew to prevent further violence during the protests.
  • Residents were advised to obey the curfew and stay at home for their safety.
Context #2 | Noun

for minors

A rule that specifies the time by which certain activities or being in certain places is prohibited for individuals under a certain age.

Synonyms

constraint, curb, limit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
curfew

Curfew is typically used when referring to a regulation requiring people, often minors, to remain indoors during designated hours, usually at night.

  • The government imposed a curfew to prevent large gatherings.
  • Teenagers must be home by 10 PM due to the city's curfew.
curb

Curb is often used to describe actions taken to control or limit something, especially something undesirable or harmful.

  • Officials are trying to curb the spread of the virus.
  • New laws have been introduced to curb excessive drinking.
limit

Limit denotes the maximum boundary of something or the act of restricting the extent, number, or quantity of something.

  • There is a limit to how many people can enter the building.
  • She doesn't limit herself to one genre of music.
constraint

Constraint is used when referring to any limitation or restriction on someone or something. It can be physical, legal, or social.

  • Due to budget constraints, the project will be delayed.
  • Her creativity was hampered by the constraints of her strict upbringing.

Examples of usage

  • Teenagers must abide by the curfew and be home by 10 pm.
  • The city council has implemented a curfew for minors to reduce juvenile crime.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word comes from the French term 'couvre-feu', which means 'cover fire', referring to the evening practice of extinguishing lights.
  • In medieval Europe, curfews were established to prevent fires by encouraging people to put out their fires and lights after dark.
  • The idea of curfews has been part of community tradition for centuries, originally to maintain safety in towns at night.

Cultural Practices

  • Many countries have laws that include curfews, especially to protect children and teenagers after a certain hour.
  • In some cultures, curfews are rooted in religious practices, where certain times of the night are observed for peace and reflection.
  • During times of crisis, such as riots or pandemics, governments often implement curfews to control movement and ensure public safety.

Psychology

  • Curfews can influence a child's sense of security by establishing boundaries and routines.
  • Psychology research suggests that curfews can affect teenagers' behavior, both positively by encouraging responsibility, and negatively if overly strict.
  • The enforcement of curfews can lead to feelings of rebellion among adolescents, as they seek independence.

Modern Day Issues

  • In contemporary society, curfews are often part of juvenile justice systems, aiming to reduce crime among youth.
  • Urban areas frequently enforce night curfews to combat issues like vandalism and violent crime.
  • Some communities host discussions about the fairness and effectiveness of curfews, balancing safety and freedom.

Literature

  • Curfews appear in various literary works, symbolizing restrictions and societal control, reflecting the struggles for freedom.
  • In Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', the imposed curfew highlights the theme of forbidden love and social constraints.
  • Curfew-related themes can be found in modern dystopian novels, where controlling time reflects overarching government power.

Origin of 'curfew'

The word 'curfew' originated from the Old French word 'cuevrefeu', which meant 'cover fire'. It referred to the time in the evening when all household fires had to be covered or put out. Over time, it evolved to mean the time at which people must be off the streets and indoors. Curfews have been used historically for various reasons, including public safety, military control, and to prevent crime.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,212, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.