verzegelen

Verzegelen is a Dutch verb meaning to seal or close something by applying a seal or indicator that shows it has not been opened or altered. The act can refer to affixing an official seal on a document, an envelope, a container, or a package, as well as to certifying the authenticity or integrity of an object. In archival, judicial, and administrative contexts, items are verzegeld to safeguard custody and prevent tampering.

Etymology: The verb is formed from the noun zegel (seal) with the prefix ver-, conveying securing by means of a seal. The past participle verzegeld describes something that has been sealed.

Usage: A verzegelde document is one that has been sealed; a verzegelde doos indicates a sealed box. In modern practice, seals can be made of wax, metal stamps, or tamper-evident adhesives, and digital sealing (cryptographic seals) is used in some systems. In notary, government, and logistics contexts, verzegeling is a standard operation to preserve integrity and custody.

Metaphorical use: Verzegelen can be used figuratively to denote finalizing or securing an agreement or decision, though in everyday language it is more common to use phrases like ondertekenen or vastleggen for such actions.

See also: zegel, verzegeling, tamper-evident seal.