錮 (gù) - To confine & to imprison

錮Tone 4

gù ｜ 16 strokes ｜ radical:

枫惠

錮 · gù

To confine;

to imprison;

to restrain;

to obstruct;

to seal off;

to make fast.

To confineto imprisonto restrain

Usage highlights

To imprisonObstinate and conservativeBlocked and obstructedDeepStubborn illnessSeal up tightly

Synonyms

  • 禁— to prohibit; to forbid
  • 囚— to imprison
  • 封— to seal
  • 固— solid; firm; stubborn

Antonyms

  • 释— to release; to set free
  • 放— to let go; to liberate
  • 通— to open; to unblock

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The prisoner was confined in a cell (囚禁锢).
  • The pipe was blocked by rust (管道被铁锈锢住).
  • He has a very stubborn and obstinate personality (他性格很锢).
  • The ancient tomb was sealed shut (古墓被锢封).

Collocations

  • To imprison(禁锢)
  • Obstinate and conservative(锢蔽)
  • Blocked and obstructed(锢塞)
  • Deep-rooted bad habit(锢习)
  • Stubborn illness(锢疾)
  • Seal up tightly(锢闭)

Idioms

  • Stubborn as an old malady(痼疾锢习)
  • Imprisoned by tradition(传统禁锢)
  • Obstinate and unyielding(顽固不化)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character originally referred to casting metal to seal or fuse something, hence the metal radical.
  • It evolved to mean confining or restraining, often in a negative sense of being stuck or imprisoned.
  • In historical contexts, it could refer to the punishment of confinement or being barred from office.

FAQ