n.
Pronunciation: ' kl ō z
Function: verb
Inflected Form: closed ; clos · ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French clos-, stem of clore, from Latin claudere to shut, close; perhaps akin to Greek kleiein to close ― more at CLAVICLE
Date: 13th century
transitive verb
1 a : to move so as to bar passage through something < close the gate> b : to block against entry or passage < close a street> c : to deny access to <the city closed the beach> d : SCREEN , EXCLUDE < close a view> e : to suspend or stop the operations of < close school> ― often used with down
2 archaic : ENCLOSE , CONTAIN
3 a : to bring to an end or period < close an account> b : to conclude discussion or negotiation about <the question is closed > also : to consummate by performing something previously agreed < close a transfer of real estate title> c : to terminate access to (a computer file or program)
4 a : to bring or bind together the parts or edges of <a closed book> b : to fill up (as an opening) c : to make complete by circling or enveloping or by making continuous < close a circuit> d : to reduce to nil < closed the distance to the lead racer>
intransitive verb
1 a : to contract, fold, swing, or slide so as to leave no opening <the door closed quietly> b : to cease operation <the factory closed down> <the stores close at 9 p.m.>
2 a : to draw near <the ship was closing with the island> b : to engage in a struggle at close quarters : GRAPPLE < close with the enemy>
3 a : to come together : MEET b : to draw the free foot up to the supporting foot in dancing
4 : to enter into or complete an agreement < close on a deal>
5 : to come to an end or period <the services closed with a short prayer>
6 : to reduce a gap < closed to within two points>
– clos · able or close · able \ ' kl ō -z ə -b ə l \ adjective
– close one's doors
1 : to refuse admission <the nation closed its doors to immigrants>
2 : to go out of business
– close one's eyes to : to ignore deliberately
– close ranks : to unite in a concerted stand especially to meet a challenge
– close the door : to be uncompromisingly obstructive < closed the door to further negotiation>
synonyms CLOSE , END , CONCLUDE , FINISH , COMPLETE , TERMINATE mean to bring or come to a stopping point or limit. CLOSE usually implies that something has been in some way open as well as unfinished < close a debate>. END conveys a strong sense of finality < ended his life>. CONCLUDE may imply a formal closing (as of a meeting) <the service concluded with a blessing>. FINISH may stress completion of a final step in a process <after it is painted, the house will be finished >. COMPLETE implies the removal of all deficiencies or a successful finishing of what has been undertaken <the resolving of this last issue completes the agreement>. TERMINATE implies the setting of a limit in time or space <your employment terminates after three months>.