sealing Definition

seal¹
noun

1. A piece of wax, lead or other material, attached to a document and stamped with an official mark to show authenticity.
2. Such a mark.

Example: the royal seal
3. An engraved metal stamp or ring for making such a mark eg on wax.
4. The mark itself.
5. A similar piece of material, with or without an official stamp, for keeping something closed.
6. A piece of rubber or other material serving to keep a joint airtight or watertight.
7. A token or object given, or a gesture made, as a pledge or guarantee.
8. A decorative adhesive label or stamp, usually sold for charity.
9. RC Church.
An obligation to keep discreet all that is said in confession.

verb sealed, sealing

1. To fix a seal to something.
2. To fasten or stamp something with a seal.

Thesaurus: close, plug, cork, stop, shut, stopper, bind, secure, fasten, enclose, occlude; Antonym: loosen, open, leak.
3. To decide, settle or confirm.

Example: seal someone's fate
Example: seal a business agreement
4. To paint (eg wood) with a substance that protects against damage, especially the weather.
5. To close, especially permanently or for a long time.
(Austral)
(NZ)
6. To tarmac.

Idiom: set one's seal to something

To authorize, approve or formally endorse it.

Etymology: 13c: from French seel, from Latin sigillum, from signum mark.

Phrasal Verb: seal something off

To isolate an area, preventing entry by unauthorized persons.

Phrasal Verb: seal something up

To make it securely closed, airtight or watertight with a seal.

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seal²
noun

1. Any of various marine mammals with a smooth-skinned or furry streamlined body and limbs modified to form webbed flippers, found mainly in cool coastal waters. Compare sea lion.
2. Sealskin.

verb

intr
sealed, sealing
1. To hunt seals.

Derivative: sealer
noun

A seal hunter.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon seolh.