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.

Stay safe this weekend and batten down the hatches.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 24, 2026

Banks have looked to batten down the hatches in response.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 30, 2025

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

Now TV’s top prizes must batten down the hatches for a major contraction.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 11, 2024

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

From "Worth" by A. LaFaye