(ˈ)fōrˈklōz, fȯr-, fōəˈ-, fȯ(ə)ˈ- verb
Etymology: Middle English forclosen, from Old French forclos, past part of forclore, from fors outside, out of, except (from foris outside) + clore to close — more at forum , close
transitive verb
1. : to shut out : debar , prevent , hinder , preclude
refused to foreclose the possibility of a third term
sometimes : to bring to an end
if he went back to his family he would foreclose any chance for independent growth
2. obsolete : to close or block up : bar
3. : to hold exclusively
4. : to deal with or close in advance
the chairman cleverly foreclosed the question
5.
a. : to bar or cut off (as one having an equity of redemption) for a default in payment of what is due on a mortgage : take away the equity of redemption from
b. : to subject to foreclosure proceedings : take away the right of (a mortgagor or lienor) to redeem property — see equity of redemption
intransitive verb
: to foreclose a mortgage