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 shutdowns challenged instruction at Charlotte Ballet Academy, which offers professional career training and recreational classes for children and adults. — Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2026

One French politician likened the shutdown to a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, while a British lawmaker said that hospitals and researchers had lost access to crucial technology overnight. — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 9 July 2026

Verb

Elsewhere in the area, a road collapsed and others were shut down due to flooding, the Reynolds County Sheriff’s Office said. — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 10 July 2026

Of 855 women’s groups surveyed in 52 countries, 84% report rising needs, nearly 90% can’t keep up, and one in five expect to shut down. — Los Angeles Times, 10 July 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