French word

enfermer

Pronunciation

IPA/ɑ̃fɛʁme/

Meaning

  • verblock up

Example

Ne m'enfermez pas ici.

Don't lock me up here.

Illustration for enfermer (lock up)

More examples

Ils ont enfermé le chien dans le garage.

They locked the dog in the garage.

Core concept

Someone remains inside a closed space while an outside boundary prevents escape.

Common phrases

  • enfermer quelqu'un

    lock someone up

  • enfermer dans une pièce

    lock ___ in a room

  • enfermer à clé

    lock ___ with a key

Similar words

fermer: To shut a door or lid so it stays closed.
verrouiller: To lock a door or window so it cannot be opened from outside.
isoler: To separate someone or something from others in a different space.
emprisonner: To put someone in prison and deprive them of freedom.

Definition in French

Empêcher quelqu'un de sortir d'un espace clos en le retenant, de façon concrète ou figurée.

Word origin

The verb developed transparently from en- ('in, into') and fermer ('to close'), whose older source is Latin firmare.

Usage tips

  • The reflexive form s'enfermer means to shut oneself in and can also describe withdrawing or becoming emotionally closed off.

Other meanings

  • isolateverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word