1 seal
Pronounced:
/ˈsi:l/
Function:
verbInflected forms:
seals; sealed; seal·ingMeaning:
1 a [+ obj] : to close (something) tightly so that air, liquid, etc., cannot get in or out ▪ He sealed the jar. —often + up ▪ He sealed up the cracks in the wall. b [+ obj] : to close (an envelope, bag, etc.) by sticking or pressing two of its parts together ▪ Would you seal this envelope? c [no obj] : to become closed tightly ▪ Make sure the bag seals properly.
2 [+ obj] : to cover the surface of (something) with a substance that will protect it ▪ We used a sealant/sealer to seal the wood to make it waterproof.
3 [+ obj] : to make (something) definite and final ▪ His home run sealed the victory. [=his home run made it certain that his team would win] ▪ (informal) They finally sealed the deal. [=they finally reached an agreement and made a deal] ▪ Their decision sealed her fate. = Once they made their decision, her fate was sealed. [=their decision made it certain that something bad or unwanted would happen to her]
4 [+ obj] : to prevent someone from going into or through (an area or place) ▪ Troops have sealed the border between the two countries. ▪ The room/chamber has been sealed and no one can enter.
2 [+ obj] : to cover the surface of (something) with a substance that will protect it ▪ We used a sealant/sealer to seal the wood to make it waterproof.
3 [+ obj] : to make (something) definite and final ▪ His home run sealed the victory. [=his home run made it certain that his team would win] ▪ (informal) They finally sealed the deal. [=they finally reached an agreement and made a deal] ▪ Their decision sealed her fate. = Once they made their decision, her fate was sealed. [=their decision made it certain that something bad or unwanted would happen to her]
4 [+ obj] : to prevent someone from going into or through (an area or place) ▪ Troops have sealed the border between the two countries. ▪ The room/chamber has been sealed and no one can enter.
my lips are sealed —see lip
seal in [phrasal verb]
seal (something) in or seal in (something) : to prevent (something that is in something else) from getting out or escaping ▪ He seared the steak to seal in the juices.
seal off [phrasal verb]
seal off (something) or seal (something) off : to prevent people from entering or leaving (an area or place) ▪ Police sealed off the crime scene.
—sealed adjective ▪ a sealed jar