French word

fermer

Pronunciation

IPA/fɛʁme/

Meaning

  • verbclose

Example

Peux-tu fermer la porte, s'il te plaît ?

Can you close the door, please?

Illustration for fermer (close)

More examples

N'oublie pas de fermer la fenêtre avant de partir.

Don't forget to close the window before leaving.

Core concept

A movable cover or barrier settles over an opening so entry is blocked.

Common phrases

  • fermer la porte

    close the door

  • fermer la fenêtre

    close the window

  • fermer à clé

    lock

Similar words

verrouiller: To secure a door or mechanism so it cannot be opened.
éteindre: To switch off a machine or light, stopping its operation or illumination.
refermer: To shut something again and restore its closed state.

Definition in French

Mettre quelque chose dans un état clos pour empêcher le passage ou l'accès.

Word origin

The French verb fermer developed from Old French fermer and ultimately from Latin firmare, meaning 'to make firm'.

Usage tips

  • In computing, fermer une fenêtre or une application means to close it, whereas éteindre un ordinateur means to turn it off.

Other meanings

  • close downverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word