Question 1

What does "batten down" mean?

Accepted Answer

To fasten or secure hatches, windows, or openings to protect against a storm or rough conditions. (Literal, nautical or architectural)

Question 2

How do you use "batten down" in a sentence?

Accepted Answer

The crew worked quickly to batten down the hatches as the hurricane approached.

Question 3

Is "batten down" formal or informal?

Accepted Answer

"batten down" is register-neutral — appropriate in both casual and formal contexts. Comes from the nautical phrase 'batten down the hatches.' The full idiom 'batten down the hatches' is far more common than 'batten down' alone. Used both literally (ships, buildings before storms) and figuratively (preparing for crisis).

batten down

"down" 포함 구문