Crossword Genius

Half open? Near – shut in (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

enclose

'shut in' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'half open? near' is the wordplay.
'half' means to take half the letters.
'near' becomes 'close' (synonyms).
'open' halved is 'en'.
'en'+'close'='ENCLOSE'

(Other definitions for enclose that I've seen before include "Fence in (common land)" , "embrace" , "Confine" , "Surround; place in envelope (with letter)" , "Include N pen" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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