What Is Another Way to Say “Locked Up”?

Looking for synonyms for locked up? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say locked up.

  • Secured
  • Confined
  • Incarcerated
  • Imprisoned
  • Detained
  • Enclosed
  • Fastened
  • Caged
  • Chained
  • Bolted
  • Restrained
  • Trapped
  • Captive
  • Sealed
  • Shackled
  • Barricaded
  • Impounded
  • Locked in
  • Under lock and key
  • Held captive

Want to learn how to say locked up professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Secured

Used to describe something that has been firmly locked or made safe.

  • Example: “All confidential documents must be secured in the safe at the end of the day.”

2. Confined

Refers to being restricted or limited to a certain space.

  • Example: “The hazardous materials are confined to a controlled area within the facility.”

3. Incarcerated

Used specifically in the context of being imprisoned or jailed.

  • Example: “The suspect was incarcerated awaiting trial.”

4. Imprisoned

Similar to incarcerated, it refers to being kept in prison.

  • Example: “The convicted individual was imprisoned for ten years.”

5. Detained

Refers to being held in custody, often for a short period.

  • Example: “The witness was detained by the police for questioning.”

6. Enclosed

Used to describe an area that is completely surrounded or closed off.

  • Example: “The machinery is enclosed to ensure safety in the workshop.”

7. Fastened

Refers to being securely closed or attached.

  • Example: “Ensure all containers are fastened before transport.”

8. Caged

Used to describe being confined within a cage or a similar structure.

  • Example: “The test animals were caged in the laboratory.”

9. Chained

Refers to being secured with a chain.

  • Example: “The gates were chained to prevent unauthorized entry.”

10. Bolted

Used to describe something that has been securely locked using bolts.

  • Example: “The warehouse doors were bolted for added security.”

11. Restrained

Refers to being held back, controlled, or limited.

  • Example: “The patient was restrained for their own safety during transport.”

12. Trapped

Used to describe a situation where someone is unable to leave a place.

  • Example: “The technicians were trapped in the elevator for several hours.”

13. Captive

Refers to being held against one’s will or imprisoned.

  • Example: “The hostages were kept captive for three days.”

14. Sealed

Used to describe something that has been securely closed or made airtight.

  • Example: “The laboratory specimens are sealed in containers to prevent contamination.”

15. Shackled

Refers to being confined with shackles or similar restraints.

  • Example: “The prisoner was shackled during transportation.”

16. Barricaded

Used to describe a space that has been blocked or secured using a barrier.

  • Example: “The entrance to the building was barricaded after the incident.”

17. Impounded

Refers to something, especially a vehicle, being legally seized and held.

  • Example: “The illegally parked cars were impounded by the city.”

18. Locked In

Describes being securely closed within a space, often from the inside.

  • Example: “The confidential files were locked in the office every night.”

19. Under Lock and Key

A phrase used to indicate that something is securely locked up.

  • Example: “The valuable artifacts are kept under lock and key for security.”

20. Held Captive

Similar to being captive, it refers to being held against one’s will in a confined space.

  • Example: “The stolen art was held captive in a private collection.”

Linda Brown