First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
foreclose
verb fore·close \(ˌ)fȯr-ˈklōz\
: to take back property because the money owed for the property has not been paid
Full Definition of FORECLOSE
transitive verb
1
: to shut out : preclude
2
: to hold exclusively
3
: to deal with or close in advance
4
: to subject to foreclosure proceedings
intransitive verb
: to foreclose a mortgage
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Origin of FORECLOSE
Middle English, from Anglo-French forclos, past participle of forclore, forsclore, from fors outside (from Latin foris) + clore to close — more at forum
Rhymes with FORECLOSE
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