Curfew Meaning and Definition
Curfew
Pronunciation
/ˈkɝrkjuː/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A specified time at which people, especially young people or children, must stop a certain activity or return home, typically imposed by a parent or authority figure.
Examples
- The parents set a curfew of 10 PM for their teenage daughter.
- The school district implemented a curfew for all students during school holidays.
Synonyms
- Time limit
- Deadline
Antonyms
- Freedom
- Permit
Etymology
From Middle English “curfew” (a bell rung as a signal to stop what one is doing), from Old French “quorfeu” (customary or regular time), from Latin “hora” (hour).
Usage Notes
Curfew is often used in a formal or official context, such as a school or workplace.
In informal settings, people may refer to a self-imposed bedtime or a limit on their activities as a “curfew.”
Cultural References
In the novel and film “The Catcher in the Rye,” the main character Holden Caulfield is forced by his parents to adhere to a strict curfew.
In the TV show “Gossip Girl,” characters often have to navigate the consequences of violating their parents’ curfew.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Raise the curfew” – to extend the time limit for an activity or departure.
“Curfew it” – to indicate that it is time to stop an activity and go home.
Related Words or Phrases
Time limit
Date
Collocations
“by curfew” – in time to meet the specified time limit.
“after curfew” – after the specified time limit has passed.
Frequency of Use
Curfew is a relatively common term in modern language, particularly in the context of parental supervision or authority.
Common Misspellings
Curfiew
Curfee