batten (down) (Meaning)

batten (down)

to prepare for possible trouble or difficulty, to tie, close, or cover (something) in order to prevent it from moving or becoming damaged

The old house stood battened down against the impending hurricane.
Sailors hurriedly battened down the hatches as storm clouds gathered overhead.
The ship's crew battened down the deck to prevent water from seeping in during the rough seas.
The farmer battened down the barn doors to protect his livestock from the approaching storm.
The firefighters battened down the windows and doors to prevent smoke from entering the building.
Police officers battened down the crime scene to preserve evidence for investigation.
Residents battened down their homes in anticipation of a massive earthquake.
Hikers battened down their tents against the onslaught of heavy rain and wind.
The submarine crew battened down the hatches as they prepared for a perilous deep-sea mission.
Animal shelter staff battened down the cages to keep the animals safe during a tornado watch.

to prepare for possible trouble or difficulty, to tie, close, or cover (something) in order to prevent it from moving or becoming damaged

shut, chain, close, fasten, bar,lock, bolt, latch, seal,plug

open, unlock, unbolt, unlatch,unfasten, unseal, unchain,unbar

The old house stood battened down against the impending hurricane.

Sailors hurriedly battened down the hatches as storm clouds gathered overhead.

The ship's crew battened down the deck to prevent water from seeping in during the rough seas.

The farmer battened down the barn doors to protect his livestock from the approaching storm.