shutdown

1 of 2

noun

shut·​down ˈshət-ˌdau̇n 

: the cessation or suspension of an operation or activity

shut down

2 of 2

verb

shut down; shutting down; shuts down

intransitive verb

: to settle so as to obscure vision : close in

the night shut down early

transitive verb

: to make ineffective in competition

shut down the opposition's offensive line

Synonyms

Noun

• arrest
• arrestment
• cease
• cessation
• check
• close
• closedown
• closure
• conclusion
• cutoff
• discontinuance
• discontinuation
• end
• ending
• expiration
• finish
• halt
• lapse
• offset
• shutoff
• stay
• stop
• stoppage
• surcease
• termination

Examples of shutdown in a Sentence

Noun

the shutdown of the factory

the factory resumed operation after a brief shutdown for repairs

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Topline President Joe Biden on Saturday signed a funding bill to avert a looming government shutdown, following a last-minute effort to approve the measure in the Senate after a chaotic week of opposition from President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk. —Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024

If the shutdown persists, courts will limit operations to mission-critical activities, but essential judicial functions, including hearing and deciding civil and criminal cases, will continue as usual. —Gord Magill, Newsweek, 21 Dec. 2024

Verb

On Friday, Jay-Z shared a statement with Fox News Digital and continued to shut down Jane Doe's claims against him. —Janelle Ash, Fox News, 17 Dec. 2024

That happens to be the case as things stand, but Rams head coach Sean McVay quickly shut down that chatter. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1888, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1779, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Kids Definition

shutdown

noun

shut·​down ˈshət-ˌdau̇n 

: an ending of an activity