German word

verschließen

Pronunciation

IPA/fɛɐ̯ˈʃliːsən/

Meaning

  • verblock

Example

Sie verschloss die Tasche, bevor sie ging.

She locked the bag before she left.

Illustration for verschließen (lock)

More examples

Er verschloss die Flasche sorgfältig, bevor er sie verschickte.

He carefully sealed the bottle before sending it.

Core concept

An opening is closed behind a tight barrier, keeping its contents protected and preventing entry or release.

Common phrases

  • den Umschlag verschließen

    seal the envelope

  • die Flasche verschließen

    seal the bottle

Similar words

abschließen: Lock a door or container with a key so it cannot be opened from outside.
verriegeln: Fasten a door or window firmly with a bolt so it cannot be opened.
zuschließen: Turn a key to secure a door, bicycle, or similar object from outside.
zumachen: Close a lid or door so it is no longer open.

Definition in German

Mit Schlüssel, Riegel oder anderem Mittel etwas so fest schließen, dass es sich nicht öffnen lässt.

Word origin

The verb comes from Middle High German versliezen, formed from ver- and the inherited Germanic verb schließen.

Usage tips

  • German often uses abschließen for locking a door with a key, while verschließen also covers securing containers, openings, or seals.

Other meanings

  • sealverb
  • closeverb

Opposites

Related words

  • Verschlussclosurenoun
  • Verschlusskappecapnoun

Word lists with this word