close

¹close

verb \ˈklōz\

closedclos·ing

Definition of CLOSE

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 \ˈklō-zə-bəl\ 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>

Examples of CLOSE

1. We had better close the windows; it looks like it's going to rain.
2. I forgot to close the gate.
3. She was having trouble closing the drawer.
4. Close the lid on the box tightly.
5. The door opened and closed so quietly that I didn't notice he had come in the room.
6. The box's lid closed with a bang.
7. Remember to close the box of cereal when you're done.
8. Please close your books and put them under your desks.
9. Close your eyes and go to sleep.
10. I closed my fists and got ready to fight.

Origin of CLOSE

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

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to CLOSE

Synonyms: make [chiefly dialect], shut, steek [chiefly Scottish]

Antonyms: open

Related Words: bar, batten (down), bolt, chain, fasten, latch, lock; plug, seal, stopper; secure; bang, clap, slam

Near Antonyms: unbar, unbolt, unchain, unfasten, unlatch, unlock, unseal

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Synonym Discussion of CLOSE

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>.