To close one's eyes by lowering the eyelids; to shut one's eyes.
瞑想のときは深く息をして、ゆっくり目を閉じる。
During meditation I take a deep breath and slowly close my eyes.
眩しい光で思わず目を閉じた。
I instinctively shut my eyes because of the bright light.
写真を撮ったら彼が目を閉じていた。
When the photo was taken, he had his eyes closed.
Euphemistic expression meaning to die; to breathe one's last.
祖母は静かに目を閉じた。
My grandmother quietly passed away.
戦争で彼は若くして目を閉じたと聞いた。
I heard he lost his life young in the war.
最期は家族に見守られて目を閉じた。
At the end he closed his eyes surrounded by family.