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

Anthony Kwan / Getty Images file Legal concerns have led to the shutdown of dozens of civil society groups, including the alliance, which voted to disband in 2021. — Jennifer Jett, NBC news, 11 Sep. 2026

Smart was a shutdown corner, a player who could take on the assignment of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Stephon Castle and allow the Lakers to shift their defense accordingly. — Law Murray, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Verb

Two decades later, the IDF would storm Palestinian community centers, confiscating flags and shutting down celebrations. — Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026

That tradition came to an end with the imposition of a series of new national security offenses in 2020, with civil groups disbanded, some independent media outlets forced to shut down, and most activists jailed or living in exile. — Chris Lau, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 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