seal up
Make completely airtight
To seal up is to close something completely, making it airtight or secure against entry: We sealed up the cracks around the windows.
The phrase emphasizes thoroughness—not just closing but ensuring nothing gets in or out.
You might seal up a container for storage, seal up an old doorway permanently, or seal up a room to contain fumes.
Conceal or pelt
- stashHidden reserve
- cacheConcealed storage spot
- tuck awayConceal for later retrieval
- buryPlace beneath soil
entomb · wall in · secrete · conceal · obscure · enclose · enshroud · lock away
Make stronger against threat
- encaseSurround on all sides
- armorProtective combat covering
- shieldHandheld defensive armor
- barrierObstruction preventing passage
barricade · bunker · vault · safe · strongbox · lockbox · reinforce · insulate
Impervious to atmosphere
- hermeticImpenetrably closed off
- watertightPrevents liquid from passing
- caulkWaterproof gap filler
- gasketMechanical leak preventer
silicone · epoxy · o-ring · weatherstrip · putty · grout · adhesive · bonding
Seal in airless packaging
- canningAirtight food preservation
- jarringDisturbingly incongruous
- tinningCoating with tin
- freezingExtremely cold
pickling · brining · smoking · salting · dehydration · airtight container · mason jar · shrink-wrap
Separate from others
- containHold within limits
- cordon offIsolate with a perimeter
- quarantineIsolation preventing disease transmission
- sequesterSet apart, isolate
segregate · confine · lockdown · biohazard · contamination · airlock · hazmat · decontamination
hide
Conceal or pelt
bury · entomb · wall in · secrete · conceal · obscure · enclose · enshroud · lock away · close off
fortify
Make stronger against threat
barrier · barricade · bunker · vault · safe · strongbox · lockbox · reinforce · insulate · weatherproof
airtight
Impervious to atmosphere
- hermeticImpenetrably closed off
- watertightPrevents liquid from passing
- caulkWaterproof gap filler
gasket · silicone · epoxy · o-ring · weatherstrip · putty · grout · adhesive · bonding · membrane
vacuum-pack
Seal in airless packaging
freezing · pickling · brining · smoking · salting · dehydration · airtight container · mason jar · shrink-wrap · paraffin
isolate
Separate from others
- containHold within limits
- cordon offIsolate with a perimeter
- quarantineIsolation preventing disease transmission
sequester · segregate · confine · lockdown · biohazard · contamination · airlock · hazmat · decontamination · barrier