Search Dictionary
Definition of foreclose

foreclose

/fɔːrˈkloʊz/
fore · close
Past Simple:foreclosed
•
Past Participle:foreclosed
•
Present Participle:foreclosing
JUMP TO:

foreclose Lexical Profile

foreclose Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To take possession of a mortgaged property as a result of the borrower's failure to keep up with loan payments.

Example

"The bank threatened to foreclose on the commercial building after six months of missed payments."

2

To rule out, prevent, or exclude a possibility, option, or course of action in advance.

Example

"Signing the settlement agreement will foreclose any future legal claims regarding the dispute."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for foreclose
Antonyms
View all antonyms for foreclose

• Rhymes for foreclose

• Nearby Words

forecastable
forecaster
forechecking
foreclose
foreclosure
forecourt
foredeck

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Old French 'forclore' (meaning 'to exclude' or 'to shut out'), formed from 'for-' (from Latin 'foris', meaning 'outside') and 'clore' (from Latin 'claudere', meaning 'to close'). Its spelling was later influenced by the English prefix 'fore-'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Foreclose. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/foreclose
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.