close round
C1 formal inseparable transitive
In simple words
When people or things form a ring and completely surround something.
Literal meaning: To close ('close') in a circle ('round') something.
Meanings
1 C1 neutral
To encircle or surround someone or something by forming a ring.
"The children closed round the injured bird, curious and protective."
Grammar: inseparable
2 C1 formal
Of hands or fingers: to grip or wrap tightly around something.
"Her fingers closed round the cold metal of the key as she stepped out into the dark."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Largely literary or formal register. More common in British English. Often used to describe hands closing around an object, or a crowd encircling a person. The American equivalent typically uses 'around' rather than 'round.'
Commonly used with
hand crowd fingers water darkness group
Forms
Base
close round
I/you/we/they
3rd person
closes round
he/she/it
Past simple
closed round
yesterday
Past participle
closed round
have + pp
-ing form
closing round
continuous
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