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

While Barneys became an industry icon, a combination of over-expansion, high rents, ownership changes, two bankruptcies, and a failure by latter-day management to heal the wounds, led to its total shutdown in 2020. —David Moin, Footwear News, 11 June 2026

An offshore operator that catches a pressure anomaly or an unauthorized entry into a red zone in real time avoids a shutdown that can run into the millions per day. —Krish Kumar, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026

Verb

While shutting down airspace isn’t really an option, despite how many times Cowie admits he’s tried to do for his high-end clients, coordinating with local police departments is a must. —Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 9 June 2026

Police report the ride was immediately shut down and cordoned off pending further investigation. —Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 9 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