Definitions

bottle up

VERB

hold in check

Synonyms

STRONGEST

repress suppress

WEAK

box up bring to naught check collar contain coop up cork corner cover up cramp curb enclose entrap hold back hold down hold in keep back keep feeling inside oneself keep secret restrain restrict shut in trap

Antonyms

STRONGEST

let go

WEAK

confide reveal tell

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.

So the establishment decided to bottle up the flavours of its "fermentation lab" and "test kitchen".

From Barron's • Nov. 2, 2025

It would create a sweeping system intended to bottle up illegal immigration.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 19, 2024

She had a metaphor for this tendency to bottle up emotions.

From New York Times • Mar. 18, 2023

If I'm cold, I'll fill a hot water bottle up, just boil the kettle once.

From BBC • Dec. 11, 2022

If necessary I could shush my sisters with a glare to bottle up their loose giggling.

From "One Crazy Summer" by Rita Williams-Garcia