Definition

1. Adverb:

   • At a very short distance away: Used to describe something being observed or happening from a position that is very near.

2. Verb:

   • To shut completely: To move parts together so that an opening is covered or an object is sealed.
   • To obstruct or block a passage: To prevent movement through a space.
   • To stop operating, especially temporarily: To cease business or activity for a period of time.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:

  • The photographer moved close up to capture the details of the flower.
  • Even close up, the painting's brushstrokes were incredibly smooth.

• Verb:

  • Please close up the shop and turn off the lights.
  • The surgeon will close up the incision after the operation.
  • A fallen tree closed up the trail, so we had to turn back.

Advanced Usage

• "to close up (on someone/something)": To move nearer to someone or something, often in a deliberate or careful way.

  • The camera slowly closed up on the actor's face to show his emotion.

• "to close up ranks": (Idiomatic) For a group to become more united, especially in the face of criticism or an external threat.

  • After the scandal, the political party closed up ranks to protect its leader.

Variants and Related Words

• Close-up (noun): A photograph or film shot taken at close range.

  • The documentary included a stunning close-up of the insect's wings.

• Closed-up (adjective): Describing something that is shut or not open to the public.

  • The house looked closed-up and deserted.

Synonyms

• Adverb: Nearby, at close range, proximately.
• Verb (shut): Seal, fasten, secure.
• Verb (stop operation): Shut down, cease operations, lock up.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Close down: To stop operating permanently or for a long period.

  • The factory will close down next month due to financial losses.

• Close in: To surround and move nearer to someone or something.

  • The police closed in on the suspect's hiding place.

Related Idioms

• Close up shop: To stop doing something, either temporarily or permanently; to end an activity.
  • It's getting late; let's close up shop and continue tomorrow.

Adverb

1. very close
   • without my reading glasses I can hardly see things close up
   • even firing at close range he missed

Verb

1. refuse to talk or stop talking; fall silent
   • The children shut up when their father approached
2. unite or bring into contact or bring together the edges of
   • close the circuit
   • close a wound
   • close a book
   • close up an umbrella
3. block passage through
   • obstruct the path
4. cease to operate or cause to cease operating
   • The owners decided to move and to close the factory
   • My business closes every night at 8 P.M.
   • close up the shop