close

Definitions

1. verb

   To shut something so there is no gap or opening.

   Examples

   • Please close the door when you leave.
   • Many flowers close at night.
   ≈close up≈shut≠open
2. verb

   To block a road or way.

   Examples

   • They closed the road for the festival.
   • Ice has closed the channel to ships.
   ≈close off≈close up≈shut≈shut off≠open
3. verb

   To gather tightly around something.

   Examples

   • The forest closed around us as we walked in.
   • The crowd closed around the performer.
4. verb

   To become unwilling to accept new things.

   Examples

   • He has closed his mind to new ideas.
   • She closed herself off after the breakup.
5. verb

   To stop liquid from flowing.

   Examples

   • Close the valve before you remove the hose.
   • She closed the tap to stop the leak.
6. verb

   To complete an electric circuit so power can flow.

   Examples

   • Closing the switch completes the circuit.
   • The relay closes when the sensor is triggered.
7. verb

   To move in and fight someone up close.

   Examples

   • The two fighters closed and grappled on the mat.
   • The soldiers closed in a hand to hand fight.
8. verb

   In sports, to turn the face of a club or bat slightly inward.

   Examples

   • He closed the clubface slightly to stop the slice.
   • Closing the racket face gives the shot more topspin.
9. verb

   To end a meeting or deal.

   Examples

   • The chairman made a few remarks and then closed the meeting.
   • They closed the deal on Friday.
   ≈complete≈end≈finish≈wind up≈wrap up +4 more
10. verb

    To stop or finish.

    Examples

    • The debate closed at six o'clock.
    • The store closes at nine every night.
    ≈end≈finish≈wind up≈wrap up≠begin +2 more