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 of shutdown

Noun

• cessation
• halt
• ending
• closure
• end
• close
• conclusion

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

The Great American State Fair kicked off last week, though the 16-day event has been hindered by weather shutdowns, technical difficulties and low attendance. — Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Moreover, the high safety profile of these facilities requires them to be inspected regularly and thoroughly, prompting long shutdowns as well. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 2 July 2026

Verb

Major organs start to shut down – the barriers that separate the gut from the rest of the intestines can become more porous, leaking deadly toxins into the bloodstream and the heart fails. — Taylor Ward, CNN Money, 24 June 2026

Westbound Interstate 80 in West Sacramento has been shut down Tuesday evening due to a vegetation fire near Reed Avenue. — Richard Ramos, CBS News, 24 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1888, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1779, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Rhymes for shutdown

• adown
• blowdown
• breakdown
• countdown
• crackdown
• crosstown
• downtown
• drawdown
• dropdown
• facedown
• godown
• hometown

Kids Definition

shutdown

noun

shut·​down ˈshət-ˌdau̇n 

: an ending of an activity