shut

play

verb \ˈshət\

Definition of shut

shut

;

shutting

transitive verb
1a : to move into position to close an opening shut the lidb : to prevent entrance to or passage to or from
2 : to confine by or as if by enclosure shut herself in her study
3 : to fasten with a lock or bolt
4 : to close by bringing enclosing or covering parts together shut the eyes
5 : to cause to cease or suspend an operation or activity —often used with down
intransitive verb
1 : to close itself or become closed flowers that shut at night
2 : to cease or suspend an operation or activity —often used with down

See shut defined for English-language learners

See shut defined for kids

Examples of shut in a Sentence

He shut his eyes and went to sleep.
She shut the book loudly.
I accidentally shut the door on her fingers.
flowers that shut at night
The door shut slowly behind me.
The owner is shutting the pub for the weekend.
They plan to shut the factory by the end of the year.

Origin and Etymology of shut

Middle English shetten, shutten, from Old English scyttan; akin to Middle Dutch schutten to shut in, Old English scēotan to shoot — more at shoot

First Known Use: before 12th century

shut

adjective

Definition of shut

1 : closed, fastened, or folded together
2 : rid, clear, free —usually used with of

See shut defined for English-language learners

Examples of shut in a Sentence

She listened to the music with her eyes shut.
Check to make sure that all the windows are shut.

15th Century

First Known Use of shut

15th century

shut

noun

Definition of shut

: the act of shutting

1667

First Known Use of shut

1667

SHUT Defined for English Language Learners

shut

play

verb

Definition of shut for English Language Learners

: to close (something)
: to become closed
: to stop the services or activities of (a business, school, etc.) for a period of time or forever

shut

adjective

Definition of shut for English Language Learners

: not open
: not operating or open to the public

SHUT Defined for Kids

shut

play

verb \ˈshət\

Definition of shut for Students

shut

;

shutting

1 : to close or become closed She shut the book loudly. The door shuts by itself.
2 : to stop or cause to stop operation She shut down the computer. Shut off the TV.
3 : to confine by or as if by enclosing or by blocking the way out Guards shut the thieves in a jail cell.
4 : to close by bringing parts together Don't look! Shut your eyes!