Curfew

British paratroopers enforce curfew in Tel Aviv after King David Hotel bombing, July 1946. Photographer: Haim Fine, Russian Emmanuel collection, from collections of the National Library of Israel.

A curfew is an order which restricts people in their movements. It is very often an order which forbids people to be out on the streets after dark.

Curfews may be made by governments in times of war or civil unrest. This is supposed to stop violence.

Curfews may also be issued to young people. They are told that they have to be indoors after a certain time.

The word "curfew" comes from the French phrase "couvre-feu" which means "cover the fire". It was used to describe the time when all lamps and candles had to be blown out.^[1]

Curfew Media

A 17th century "curfew", used to cover a fire at night
Movement and curfew pass, issued under the authority of the British Military Commander, East Palestine, 1946
Sign in a Montréal store window indicating that the store would close early due to curfew (2021).
Notice of a curfew in Jersey, 1942.
Poster from September 1944 in German-occupied Netherlands, announcing a curfew between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m.
Enforcing a curfew in Hebron, 1969