closet
UK: ˈklɒzɪt | US: ˈklɑːzɪt
n. a small room or cupboard for storing clothes, household items, or valuables
n. (figurative) a state of secrecy or concealment, especially regarding one's identity or preferences
vt. to shut away in a private space, often to hide
closet = clos<enclosed space> + et<diminutive suffix>
- clos (from Old French clos, meaning "enclosed space" or "barrier," derived from Latin clausum, past participle of claudere "to close")
- et (a diminutive suffix in Old French, indicating smallness or familiarity, akin to modern French -ette)
Etymology Origin:
The word closet originated in medieval Europe, where it referred to a small private room (often adjoining a larger chamber) for prayer, study, or storage. The Old French clos emphasized enclosure, while the suffix -et implied intimacy or reduced scale. Over time, the term narrowed to denote storage spaces, later evolving metaphorically to describe concealed identities (e.g., "in the closet"). The logic traces a path from physical enclosure to psychological secrecy.
She hung her coat in the hallway closet.
The antique jewelry was kept in a locked closet.
He finally came out of the closet after years of hiding his true self.
The mansion had a walk-in closet larger than my bedroom.
They decided to closet the old documents to avoid scrutiny.