Curfew

/ˈkɜːr.fjuː/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A regulation requiring people to remain indoors during specified hours, typically at night.
The city imposed a curfew to help control the spread of the virus.
A time by which a person, especially a child or teenager, is expected to be home.
Her parents set a curfew of 10 PM on school nights.
A time limit or deadline for a specific activity.
The curfew for submitting the application is fast approaching.

Etymology

From Old French 'couvre-feu', meaning 'cover fire', originally referring to the time to extinguish lights.

Common Phrases and Expressions

under curfew
Restricted to staying indoors during specified hours.
impose a curfew
To officially set a rule requiring people to remain indoors.
curfew violation
The act of breaking the curfew rules.

Related Words

restriction
A rule limiting what one can do.
nighttime
The period of the day when it is dark outside.
regulation
A rule or directive made and maintained by an authority.

Slang Meanings

Staying in at night without going out.
I'm on curfew tonight, so I'm just chilling at home.
A time limit imposed by parents for teens.
Dad says my curfew is 11 PM, or I'll be grounded.