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

Since the jarring days in March 2020, when government shutdown orders silenced concerts in Nashville, the city's independent music venues have struggled to find a foothold. —Nate Rau, Axios, 31 Jan. 2025

However, some legal scholars say that lawsuits brought by faith groups during the pandemic over shutdown orders could provide a guide. —Sarah Matusek, The Christian Science Monitor, 30 Jan. 2025

Verb

The city's most significant snowfall occurred in 1895, when 20 inches fell, shutting down the city in a once-in-a-lifetime event. —Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025

Police have shut down roads in the area, fearing more collapses. —Anthony Trotter, ABC News, 28 Jan. 2025

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