shut in

verb

shut in; shutting in; shuts in

transitive verb

1

: confine, enclose

2

: to prevent production of (oil or gas) by closing down a well

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for shut in

• button
• clutton
• glutton
• mutton
• unbutton

Kids Definition

shut-in

noun

ˈshət-ˌin

: a sick person unable to go outdoors

Medical Definition

shut-in

1 of 2 noun

ˈshət-ˌin 

: a person who is confined to home, a room, or bed because of illness or incapacity

shut-in

2 of 2 adjective

ˌshət-ˌin 

1

: confined to one's home or an institution by illness or incapacity

2

: tending to avoid social contact : withdrawn

diagnostic and prognostic significance of the shut-in personality type

—S. K. Weinberg