to cordon off
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to cordon off
To completely block off a place or area so that no one can enter or leave. This is usually done by the police, military, or security forces.
Die Polizei hat den Tatort weiträumig abgeriegelt.
The police cordoned off a wide area around the crime scene.
'Abriegeln' (to cordon off) is a separable verb. The prefix 'ab-' comes at the end of the main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Die Polizei riegelt die gesamte Innenstadt ab.
The police are cordoning off the entire city center.
The verb is derived from 'der Riegel' (a bolt for locking a door). So 'abriegeln' (to cordon off) figuratively means to close off a place as if sliding a bolt into place.
Wegen der Demonstration wurde der Platz vor dem Rathaus abgeriegelt.
Because of the demonstration, the square in front of city hall was cordoned off.
This verb is almost always used in the context of security measures. Typical actors are 'die Polizei' (the police), 'das Militär' (the military), or 'die Feuerwehr' (the fire department). Places that are often cordoned off include 'ein Tatort' (a crime scene), 'eine Straße' (a street), or 'ein ganzes Gebiet' (an entire area).
Nach dem Bombenfund riegelte die Polizei das Wohnviertel ab.
After the bomb was found, the police cordoned off the residential neighborhood.
to open
'öffnen' and 'abriegeln' are opposites when it comes to access to a place. With 'öffnen', you make something accessible, for example a door, a building, or an event. 'abriegeln' is much stronger and means that a place is completely blocked off so that no one can get in or out. This is often done by the police, military, or security forces. 'öffnen' sounds neutral and often everyday; 'abriegeln' suggests danger, control, or a special situation.
Nach dem Unfall riegelt die Polizei die Straße ab.
After the accident, the police cordon off the road.
Am Abend öffnet das Theater seine Türen für die Gäste.
In the evening, the theater opens its doors to the guests.