verschließen

Verschließen is a German verb meaning to close something in a way that makes it inaccessible or sealed. It covers both physical closure, such as sealing a container, and figurative closure, such as closing off access or opportunities. The term is often used when the closure is deliberate and secure, sometimes requiring physical effort, a seal, or a locking mechanism.

Etymology and related terms: Verschließen derives from the noun Verschluss (closure, seal) and the verb schließen (to close) with the verbal prefix ver-. It is closely related to, but distinct from, related verbs such as abschließen (to lock or conclude with a key), versiegeln (to seal with adhesive or a seal), and verriegeln (to bolt or lock in place). The noun Verschluss is used for the closure itself, for example the seal on a container or the closure of a door.

Usage: The verb is common in everyday and technical contexts. Physical examples include ein Dose verschließen (seal a can), eine Flasche verschließen (close and seal a bottle), or einen Briefumschlag verschließen (seal an envelope). In medical contexts it can mean to close a wound (eine Wunde verschließen). It is also used for security or boundary actions, such as ein Tor verschließen or eine Grenze verschließen, implying a deliberate closing off.

Figurative use: Verschließen can also describe a person’s attitude, as in sich verschließen (to shut oneself off) or die Augen verschließen (to turn a blind eye). In this sense it conveys exclusion or refusal to engage with something.