close up
To shut a place completely, or to move things together until there is no space between them.
Meanings
To close a building, shop, or premises, usually at the end of the day.
"The caretaker closed up the school at six o'clock every evening."
To move closer together, reducing the gap between people or things.
"The soldiers were ordered to close up and maintain a tighter formation."
Of a wound: to heal and seal itself.
"The nurse said the cut would close up on its own within a few days."
To become emotionally withdrawn or unwilling to communicate.
"He closed up completely whenever anyone asked him about his childhood."
Has several distinct senses: closing a shop for the day, closing a wound (medical), moving together (military/people), or becoming emotionally withdrawn. 'Close-up' as a noun/adjective refers to a type of photograph taken very near the subject.
Commonly used with
Forms
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