cloture

UK: ˈkləʊtjʊə | US: ˈkloʊtʃər

Definition

  1. n. a formal procedure to end debate and force an immediate vote in a legislative assembly.

  2. vt. to end debate by invoking cloture.

Structure
clot <close>ure <noun suffix>
Etymology

cloture = clot<close> + ure<noun suffix>

  • clot (from Old French clore, meaning "to close")
  • ure (a noun-forming suffix indicating action or result, from Latin -ura)

Etymology Origin:
The word cloture entered English via French (clôture, meaning "closure") in the 19th century, specifically in parliamentary contexts. It retains the original sense of "closing" debate, reflecting its Latin root claudere (to shut). The suffix -ure formalizes it as a procedural term.

Examples

  1. The senator moved to invoke cloture to end the filibuster.

  2. Cloture requires a three-fifths majority in the U.S. Senate.

  3. Without cloture, the debate could continue indefinitely.

  4. The bill passed after a successful cloture vote.

  5. Opponents criticized the use of cloture as undemocratic.