The phrasal verb 'wall up' is utilized more in informal speech than in formal contexts. It generally describes the act of building a wall around or in front of something, effectively enclosing or obstructing it. This phrase can be used literally, as in construction or architecture when one might wall up an opening, or metaphorically, referring to someone who is closing themselves off emotionally or psychologically. For example, "After the disagreement, he just walled himself up and refused to speak to any of us." The metaphorical use is common in describing interpersonal relationships or when discussing psychological barriers. Its versatility in describing both physical and figurative barriers makes it a useful expression, although it may not appear frequently in very formal writings or speeches. Instead, more precise language might be employed in such contexts.
B1
Intermediate
1. To build a wall around something to enclose or protect it.
They plan to wall up the garden to keep it private.
The ancient city was walled up for protection against invasions.
2. To block or seal an entrance, passage, or interior by constructing a wall.
The abandoned door to the basement was walled up years ago.
They decided to wall up the old fireplace during the renovation.