curfew
UK: ˈkɜː.fjuː | US: ˈkɜːr.fjuː
n. a regulation requiring people to remain indoors during specified hours, typically at night
n. historically, a signal (e.g., bell) announcing the time to extinguish fires or return home
The word curfew traces back to medieval Europe, where it originally referred to a bell rung in the evening to signal the time to extinguish household fires (from Anglo-French coverfu, literally "cover fire"). Over time, it evolved to denote regulations restricting movement during nighttime, retaining its connection to the idea of "covering" or controlling activity.
The city imposed a strict curfew during the riots.
Teenagers often complain about their parents enforcing an early curfew.
During the war, the curfew was enforced to maintain public safety.
The medieval curfew bell echoed through the village at dusk.
Violating the curfew could result in a fine or arrest.