shutdown

1 of 2

noun

shut·​down ˈshət-ˌdau̇n How to pronounce shutdown (audio)
: 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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The is some discretion within government in determining what is deemed essential for any shutdown, so the exact scope of any shutdown can vary. Simon Moore, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025 Samberg’s emergence as an elite shutdown defenseman has been a godsend for the Jets. Harman Dayal, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025
Verb
The muscles around the knee tend to shut down and shrink with startling rapidity once all that inflammation builds up around a torn ACL. Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025 The administration shut down the CBP One app that allows migrants to apply for asylum. Megan Farokhmanesh, WIRED, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shutdown

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1888, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1779, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of shutdown was in 1779

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Shutdown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shutdown. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

shutdown

noun
shut·​down ˈshət-ˌdau̇n How to pronounce shutdown (audio)
: an ending of an activity

More from Merriam-Webster on shutdown

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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