Definition

1. Verb (intransitive):

   • To move nearer from all sides, surrounding something or someone, often with the implication of trapping or capturing.
   • To draw nearer in time or space, often creating a sense of pressure or inevitability.

2. Verb (transitive):

   • To surround or encircle something completely, often by building a barrier or fence.

Usage and Examples

• Verb (intransitive): Describes the action of converging on a target. As night fell, the fog began to close in, reducing visibility to zero. The detectives are closing in on the suspect; they expect an arrest soon.

• Verb (transitive): Describes the action of enclosing an area. They decided to close in the patio to create a sunroom.

Advanced Usage

• "to close in on": This common phrasal verb emphasizes the process of moving nearer to a target, often with purpose or threat.

Variants and Related Words

• Enclose (verb): To surround or close off on all sides. (e.g., )
• Encirclement (noun): The act of surrounding.
• Converge (verb): To move toward one point or nearer to each other.

Synonyms

• Surround
• Encircle
• Converge
• Envelop

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Close in on: To advance on or approach someone or something from multiple directions, typically with the intent to capture or confront.

Related Idioms

• The walls are closing in: A feeling of being trapped or under increasing pressure.

Verb

1. surround completely
   • Darkness enclosed him
   • They closed in the porch with a fence
2. advance or converge on
   • The police were closing in on him