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Word

closure

noun C1
UK /ˈkləʊ.ʒə(ɹ)/
US /ˈkloʊ.ʒɚ/

Meanings

noun

a sense of emotional resolution or completion that allows someone to move on

closure: a sense of emotional resolution or completion that allows someone to move on
noun

the act of closing something, or the state of being closed

closure: the act of closing something, or the state of being closed
noun

the stopping of an activity or service, such as a road, facility, or business being shut

closure: the stopping of an activity or service, such as a road, facility, or business being shut

Definition

Closure is a sense of completion or resolution after something difficult or uncertain.

Closure is the feeling that a situation has been settled and you can move on without lingering doubts. People often seek closure after a conflict, a loss, or a long period of uncertainty. It can also mean the act of closing something or a decision to stop operating, such as when a road or business shuts down.

Examples

  • After the final conversation, I finally felt a sense of closure and stopped replaying the argument in my head.
  • You won’t get closure unless you accept that some questions will remain unanswered.
  • He wrote one last email, not to blame anyone, but to find closure and end the tension respectfully.
  • The documentary gave her a measure of closure by clarifying what had happened during the chaotic weeks.
  • They warned commuters about the closure of the bridge, which forced them to reroute for several days.

Common mistake

Learners often say "get a closure" when they mean the feeling; usually it is uncountable: "get closure."