seals off

Closes off entirely

Seals off means to close completely, preventing entry or exit.

A barrier seals off an area; authorities seal off a crime scene to preserve evidence.

The phrase suggests airtight or impenetrable closure: Police sealed off the building after the bomb threat.

Figuratively, someone might seal off their emotions—blocking access entirely.

Related
  • shuts outBars from entry
  • plugSomething that blocks openings
  • tapeAdhesive strip on roll
  • lidRemovable container cover
  • barricadeObstacle blocking a path

cordon · crime scene · no entry · close · airlock · quarantine · gasket · cover · caps · blockade · weatherstripping · floodgate · hermetic · lockdown · locks down · partition · caulk · shut

Opposites
access and passage

seals offopens up

Begins speaking candidly

unseals · opens · unlocks · unblocks · clears

containment and exposure

seals offunseals

Breaks a closure

exposes · releases · lets out · vents · ventilates

communication and connection

seals offconnects

Creates a link between

links · integrates · joins · reunites · bridges

Family

seal, seals, off, sealed, sealing, sealer, sealers, sealant, sealants

Familiarity
Top 100,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G