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

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 government shutdown also adds uncertainty to the economic outlook, the firm said. —Michael Wayland, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2025

The protests come amid a federal government shutdown now in its 18th day, broader immigration enforcement operations, and the deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago and Los Angeles. —Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Oct. 2025

Verb

Yet here were the 49ers, shutting down a Falcons team that piled up 443 yards including 210 yards rushing on a good Buffalo team the week before. —Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 20 Oct. 2025

Postal services, including mail delivery, continue even when the government shuts down. —Joey Garrison, USA Today, 20 Oct. 2025

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