foreclose — English Dictionary

Verb

1. To repossess a mortgaged property whose owner has failed to make the necessary payments; used with on.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Examples

   They have to move out of their house because the bank foreclosed on their mortgage.

2. To cut off (a mortgager) by a judgment of court from the power of redeeming the mortgaged premises.

   Usage

   • Transitive

3. To shut up or out; to prevent from doing something.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Synonyms

   stoppreventbarexclude

   Examples

   The embargo with Spain foreclosed this trade.

   More examples (2)

   One of the paradoxes of Ostpolitik, as practiced by Brandt and his successors, was that by transferring large sums of hard currency into East Germany and showering the GDR with recognition, attention, and support, West German officials unintentionally foreclosed any chance of internal change, including reform of Eastern Germany’s polluted, antiquated industrial economy.

   to foreclose the possibility completely. she packed the footwell of the passenger seat with her duffel bag and camping gear and buckled a stack of seed trays on to the seat.

Verb

1. keep from happening or arising; make impossible

   Synonyms

   preventforestallprecludeforbid

   Broader terms

   actmove

   Examples

   My sense of tact forbids an honest answer

   Your role in the projects precludes your involvement in the competitive project

2. subject to foreclosing procedures; take away the right of mortgagors to redeem their mortgage

   Broader terms

   reclaimrepossess