Dictionary

curfew

noun cur·few \ˈkər-(ˌ)fyü\

: an order or law that requires people to be indoors after a certain time at night

: the period of time when such an order or law is in effect

: the time set by a parent at which a child has to be back home after going out

Full Definition of CURFEW

1
:  the sounding of a bell at evening
2
a :  a regulation enjoining the withdrawal of usually specified persons (as juveniles or military personnel) from the streets or the closing of business establishments or places of assembly at a stated hour
b :  a signal to announce the beginning of a curfew
c :  the hour at which a curfew becomes effective
d :  the period during which a curfew is in effect
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Origin of CURFEW

Middle English, from Anglo-French coverfeu, signal given to bank the hearth fire, curfew, from coverir to cover + fu, feu fire, from Latin focus hearth
First Known Use: 14th century
CURFEW Defined for Kids

curfew

noun cur·few \ˈkər-ˌfyü\

Definition of CURFEW for Kids

:  a rule requiring certain or all people to be off the streets or at home at a stated time

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