封じる

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 封じる is read as ふうじる and is a transitive verb meaning to seal an opening or suppress an opponent's action or ability.
• Basic usage: Sealing a bottle opening appears in 瓶の口を封じる, while shutting down an opposing lineup appears in 相手打線を封じる.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Physical sealing and figurative suppression
  • It can mean blocking an opening or figuratively preventing an opponent from using an attack or strength.
• Difference from 閉じる
  • 閉じる is the general act of closing a door, lid, or similar object, while 封じる more strongly suggests sealing something so it cannot escape or function.