Curfew

noun (also used attributively, e.g. "curfew order"); occasionally verb (transitive)

/ˈkɜːfjuː/

A governmental order restricting the movement of persons in public places during specified hours, typically imposed during emergencies or periods of civil unrest to maintain public order.

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

When civil unrest threatens to spiral into widespread violence, the State may impose a curfew under Section 144 of the CrPC, but such restrictions on the freedom of movement must remain proportionate, time-bound and subject to judicial scrutiny lest a measure meant to restore order itself becomes an instrument of arbitrary power.

Synonyms

restriction orderlockdownprohibitory orderblackoutconfinementban on movement

Antonyms

free movementlibertyrelaxationall-clear

🌱 Word Family

curfew (v), curfewed (adj), curfews (n pl)

🔡 Root

Old French cuevre-fu = cover fire; covrir = to cover + fu = fire (Medieval Latin cooperire + focus)

📜 Etymology

From Middle English curfu, from Old French cuevre-fu (modern French couvre-feu), literally "cover fire" — from covrir ("to cover") + fu ("fire") — originally a medieval regulation requiring fires to be extinguished at a signal bell.

🧠 Memory Hook

Curfew = "cover fire": medieval bells once rang at dusk to COVER the FIRE and clear the streets — today the bell becomes an order to stay indoors after dark.

⚖️ Polity & Constitution 📖 Seen in: Emergency Provisions — National, State...

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