v. fore·closed, fore·clos·ing, fore·clos·es v.tr. 1. a. To enforce (a lien, deed of trust, or mortgage) in whatever manner is provided for by law. b. To bring a suit to prevent a mortgagor from redeeming (a property) by paying any outstanding debt. 2. To exclude or rule out; bar. 3. To settle or resolve beforehand. v.intr. To enforce a lien, deed of trust, or mortgage as permitted by law: The bank foreclosed on the property. [Middle English forclosen, to exclude from an inheritance, from Old French forclos, shut out, past participle of forclore, to exclude : fors-, outside (from Latin forīs; see dhwer- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots) + clore, to close (from Latin claudere).] fore·closa·ble adj. |
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