閉ざす

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 閉ざす (reading とざす) is a godan transitive verb meaning to shut an opening, route, or relationship firmly against outside access.
• Basic usage: It covers literally shutting a window against wind and figuratively closing one’s heart out of fear.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Strong exclusion
  • 閉める covers routine closing broadly; 閉ざす emphasizes blocking access or severing contact.
• Object and metaphor
  • Both 窓を閉ざす and 心を閉ざす take を, but the latter figuratively means withdrawing from emotional contact.