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

Back in 2006, estimates for stopping and restarting C-17 production ranged from about $918 million to $2 billion, and that was assuming a much shorter shutdown. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026

The ongoing conflict that has driven people from their homes in Iran as well as an internet shutdown and a lack of full cooperation from the two governments partially impeded the team's efforts to get information. — Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2026

Verb

After three years in which California’s salmon fishery was shut down almost entirely, the commercial fleet returned to the Pacific this year. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 20 Sep. 2026

Atlanta closed out its last home regular-season game with a strong 106-81 finish to shut down the Chicago Sky. — Micahya Costen, AJC.com, 20 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