CLOSE IN


Meaning of CLOSE IN in English

ˈklōz- verb

Etymology: close (I)

intransitive verb

1. : to gather in close all around with an oppressing or isolating effect

the suffocating heaviness of New York's summer had already closed in — Marcia Davenport

a brief bloom of fortune … before adversity closed in — Dixon Wecter

despair closed in on her

2. : to approach from various directions to close quarters especially for an attack, raid, or arrest

military intelligence agents closed in on him

3. : to grow dark ; often : to grow dark early — used of the day or the evening

the short November day was already closing in — Ellen Glasgow

transitive verb

1. : to encircle closely and isolate

2. : to enshroud to such an extent as to preclude approach or egress

scouts report target closed in

the airport is closed in

3. : to shut off the flow of (an oil well)

Webster's New International English Dictionary.      Новый международный словарь английского языка Webster.