shutdown

1 of 2

noun

shut·​down ˈshət-ˌdau̇n How to pronounce shutdown (audio)
: 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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Was this accelerating viral migration part of the thinking behind the shortness in TikTok’s shutdown, notwithstanding that the platform didn’t really need to go dark and could have simply awaited the change in administration? Zak Doffman, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025 Facing a shutdown, millions of the app’s users expressed disbelief, sadness, anger and defiance, with many posting farewell messages and others mock funerals; while critics have argued that this is a blow to free speech. Stacy Perman, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2025
Verb
In January 2022, Starr was shut down after abuse allegations. Jazzmin Jiwa, TIME, 16 Jan. 2025 The Supreme Court has yet to announce its verdict on the constitutionality of a law requiring TikTok to either sell its US operations or shut down in the US. Ars Technica, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for shutdown 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1888, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1779, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of shutdown was in 1779

Dictionary Entries Near shutdown

shut down

shutdown

shute

Cite this Entry

“Shutdown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shutdown. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

shutdown

noun
shut·​down ˈshət-ˌdau̇n How to pronounce shutdown (audio)
: an ending of an activity

More from Merriam-Webster on shutdown

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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