curfew

The definition of a curfew is a time by which you must be home in the evenings, or is a designated time after which you have to stay inside.

(noun)

If you are required to be in your home after 11:00 PM, this is an example of an 11:00 PM curfew.

See curfew in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

1. in the Middle Ages, the ringing of a bell every evening as a signal for people to cover fires, put out lights, and retire
2. the bell
3. the time at which it was rung
1. a time, generally in the evening, set as a deadline beyond which inhabitants of occupied cities in wartime, children under a specified age, etc. may not appear on the streets or in public places
2. the regulation establishing this time

Origin: ME curfeu < OFr covrefeu, lit., cover fire < covrir (see cover) + feu, fire < L focus, fireplace: see focus

See curfew in American Heritage Dictionary 4

cur·few

noun

A regulation requiring certain or all people to leave the streets or be at home at a prescribed hour.
a. The time at which such a restriction begins or is in effect: a 10 P.M. curfew for all residents.
b. The signal, such as a bell, announcing the beginning of this restriction.

Origin: Middle English curfeu, from Old French cuevrefeu : covrir, to cover; see cover + feu, fire (from Latin focus, hearth).