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

Outlook Lite first launched in 2022, but its shutdown was confirmed in October 2025, when Microsoft removed it from the Google Play Store to prevent new customers from downloading it. —James Peckham, PC Magazine, 13 Apr. 2026

Awaiting Johnson's next move on DHS funding Lawmakers return as the Department of Homeland Security's partial shutdown drags on -- hitting Day 66 on Monday when the Senate returns to session. —John Parkinson, ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026

Verb

Parents are continuing to speak out against Dekalb County Schools' plan to shut down, repurpose and reassign some schools. —Monique John, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026

Many French businesses shut down in August; the Dutch work a 32-hour week, while Austria, Denmark, and Germany clock in at 33 (China’s at 48). —Ben Smith, semafor.com, 13 Apr. 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