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batten down

VERB
secure
Synonyms
STRONGEST
cement clinch fix settle
STRONG
adjust anchor bind bolt button catch chain clamp close fasten hitch lash lock moor nail padlock pinion rivet tack tie tighten
WEAK
button down hook on lock up make fast tie down
Antonyms
STRONGEST
unfix
STRONG
detach disconnect disjoin free let go loose loosen lose open release unchain unfasten unhitch unlock untie
VERB
shut
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bar lock push seal
STRONG
cage confine draw enclose exclude fasten fold imprison secure slam
WEAK
close down close up drop the curtain fold up put to shut down wall off
Antonyms
STRONGEST
loosen open unfasten
STRONG
free let go let out loose release

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

It may not even slow rates of saving at all, since amid slowing economic growth and mounting pessimism, households have plenty of other reasons to batten down their financial hatches.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 4, 2026

Stay safe this weekend and batten down the hatches.

From MarketWatch ● Jan. 24, 2026

Warning signs such as these can cause investors to think it’s time to sell bonds and batten down the hatches.

From Barron's ● Dec. 18, 2025

The prime minister will be wanting to "get things sorted out, batten down the hatches and get things moving forward," Baroness Harman said.

From BBC ● Oct. 6, 2024

Ma headed out to bring in the other animals and batten down the house.

From "Worth" by A. LaFaye

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