Definition of foreclose

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foreclosure >

fore·close    (fôr-klz, fr-) KEY 

VERB:
fore·closed, fore·clos·ing, fore·clos·es
VERB:
tr.

1. 1. To deprive (a mortgagor) of the right to redeem mortgaged property, as when payments have not been made.
   2. To bar an equity or a right to redeem (a mortgage).
2. To exclude or rule out; bar.
3. To settle or resolve beforehand.

VERB:
intr.

To bar an equity or a right to redeem a mortgage.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English forclosen, to exclude from an inheritance, from Old French forclos, shut out, past participle of forclore, to exclude : fors-, outside (from Latin fors; see dhwer- in Indo-European roots) + clore, to close (from Latin claudere)

OTHER FORMS:
fore·closa·ble(Adjective)