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

Schumer, who currently serves as minority leader, has been criticized for some of his decisions over the past couple of years, including voting with Republicans to avoid a government shutdown. — Washington Post, 7 Nov. 2026

Breakdown of bridge closure Ramp and lane closures are scheduled to begin Friday ahead of the complete shutdown at midnight. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026

Verb

Who want Medicaid, because their rural hospitals are shutting down because of a lack of federal funding? — John Nichols, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026

While the downtown area has seen some businesses shut down, including Punch Bowl Social and most recently Echo & Rig, other opportunities are opening up. — CBS News, 8 Nov. 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