foreclose

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. verb keep from happening or arising; make impossible
  2. verb subject to foreclosing procedures; take away the right of mortgagors to redeem their mortgage

Etymology

Partially from Middle English foreclosen, forclosen, from Old French forclos, past participle of forclore (“to exclude”), from for- (“(prefix used to express error, exclusion, or inadequacy)”) + clore (“to shut”), and partially from Middle English forclusen (“to close up”), from Old English forclȳsan (“to close up”), equivalent to fore- + close.

In classic literature

Synonyms

prevent, forestall, preclude, forbid

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