What does ‘close’ mean?

The word ‘close‘ can mean many different things. As a verb, the meaning is to bring to an end and cover an opening.​​​​

For example:

  • The ticket office closes at 6 pm. (bring to an end)
  • Please close the window, it’s freezing. (cover an opening)

 

Close is a regular verb. The past tense and past participle is closed.

FUN FACT – Close is a homograph. This means there is another word in English with a different meaning that is spelt the same as it (tricky, huh?). The verb ‘to close’ is pronounced with a voiced ‘s’.

phrasal verbs with close

Let’s learn the meaning of the phrasal verbs that contain the verb ‘close’ in more detail and see some examples in use.

phrasal verbs with close

close down

meaning – a shop or business permanently shuts
example – If we don’t make £2000 this month, we’ll have to close down.

close in

meaning – surround or get closer to something
example – United are closing in, they are bound to get a goal soon.

phrasal verbs with close - close in

close in on

meaning – surround or get closer to something
example – The police are closing in on the killer, he will be behind bars very soon.

phrasal verbs with close - close in on

close in upon

meaning – surround or get closer to something
example – The police are closing in upon the killer, he will be behind bars very soon.

phrasal verbs with close - close in upon meaning

close off

meaning – shut something so people can’t enter
example – We have to get off the beach, they are closing it off because of the shark attack.

phrasal verbs with close - close off meaning

close on

meaning – get nearer to someone or something
example – The net is closing on the arsonist; he’ll be caught soon.

phrasal verbs with close - close on meaning

close out

meaning – end/finish something or ignore someone
example – Stop closing me out and tell me what’s going on in that brain of yours.

phrasal verbs with close - close out

close up

meaning – shut at the end of a time frame or join together
example – He closed up the folder and submitted it to the teacher.

phrasal verbs with close - close up meaning

You can download a table of phrasal verbs with close below.

If you’ve enjoyed this page, there are plenty more for you to look at. Click here to see the list of groups ready and waiting to be studied. Maybe you just like informal/slang English? Head to my useful tips and information section for loads more hints and tips to speak like a native.

If you really want to take your native speaking to the next level, how about taking a course? Here are some of the best ones: