Lockup Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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lockup

[ˈlɒkʌp ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in prison

A state of being confined to a small space, typically a cell in a prison.

Synonyms

confinement, detention, incarceration.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lockup	Informal term for a place or condition of temporary imprisonment, typically for short periods. They put him in the local lockup for the night after the bar fight. She was held in the lockup until her court appearance.
incarceration	Formal term for being imprisoned, often for longer periods or as a result of a serious offense. The judge sentenced him to ten years of incarceration. Incarceration rates have been rising across the country.
detention	Used for temporary or short-term imprisonment; can also be applied in contexts like school or police holding. The student received detention for disrupting the class. He was placed in police detention pending further investigation.
confinement	General term indicating a state of being restricted or kept in a limited space, often used in various contexts beyond just imprisonment. The patient was kept in confinement for quarantine reasons. They endured months of confinement during the pandemic.

Examples of usage

The criminal was placed in lockup for the night.
The lockup was overcrowded with inmates.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

temporary storage

A place for the temporary storage or safekeeping of valuables.

Synonyms

safe, storage, vault.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lockup	This duplicate term also generally covers the context of being a secure place for both people or items. The meaning remains consistent with the other 'lockup' description. After the fight, he ended up in lockup. The company uses a lockup to store its valuable documents.
storage	This general term refers to any place where items are kept for future use. It doesn't necessarily imply high security and can be as simple as a closet or a rented unit. We need to find more storage for our winter clothes. He rented a storage unit for his old books.
vault	This term is usually used to refer to a highly secure room or compartment, often in banks, used to store large sums of money, important documents, or valuables. It has connotations of very high security. The bank's vault is protected by multiple security systems. She safely placed the rare coin collection in the vault.
safe	This word is typically used to describe a strong, box-like container, often reinforced, where valuable items like money, jewelry, or important documents are stored to keep them secure. She keeps her jewelry in a wall-mounted safe. The safe at the bank is almost impossible to break into.

Examples of usage

We put our luggage in the hotel lockup.
The lockup was secure and monitored by security.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Legal System

Lockups, also called jails or detention centers, serve as temporary confinement for individuals awaiting trial or sentencing.
In many places, lockups are intended for short-term detention and are different from prisons that hold convicted felons.
The conditions and treatment of individuals in lockups can vary widely across different regions, reflecting local laws and practices.

Pop Culture

Lockups frequently appear in movies and TV shows, symbolizing consequence and justice, often depicting intense stories of redemption or crime.
Hit series often glorify or critique the prison experience, raising social awareness about the treatment of individuals in lockup.

Psychology

Being placed in a lockup can lead to significant psychological stress, including feelings of isolation and anxiety about the future.
Studies suggest that the environment of a lockup affects the mental health of detainees, influencing their behavior and rehabilitation prospects.

Human Rights

There are ongoing debates about human rights violations in lockups, particularly concerning overcrowding and lack of proper medical care.
Organizations advocate for reforms to improve the conditions of lockups, highlighting the necessity for humane treatment of all detainees.

Origin of 'lockup'

Main points about word origin

The term 'lockup' originated in the 19th century, combining 'lock,' meaning to secure, with 'up,' implying confinement.
Originally, 'lockup' was used in construction to refer to a locked storehouse before it was adopted for correctional facilities.

The term 'lockup' originated in the early 19th century and was originally used to refer to a place of confinement, especially a jail or prison cell. Over time, it has also come to mean a place for temporary storage or safekeeping. The word 'lockup' combines 'lock' with 'up', emphasizing the action of securing something in a closed or confined space.

See also: interlock, lock, lockbox, lockdown, locker, locket, locks.