Crossword Genius

Force to close off a lift (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

praise

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'force' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with communicating as well as being verbs in their base form.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

'close off a lift' is the wordplay.
'close off' becomes 'p' (I can't justify this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'a lift' becomes 'raise' (synonyms).
'p'+'raise'='PRAISE'

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for praise that I've seen before include "Worship, glorify" , "Express approval and admiration" , "plaudit" , "Congratulate" , "Honour" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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