seal off
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
To physically isolate an area or building for security reasons preventing passage of humans or vehicles.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
Police sealed off the building following an anonymous bomb warning.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “seal off” mean?
To physically isolate an area or building for security reasons preventing passage of humans or vehicles.
Is “seal off” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.