Shut down

Pronunciation varies by accent · noun

Meaning

The action of stopping operations; a closing, of a computer, business, event, etc..

Definitions by Sense

1. The action of stopping operations; a closing, of a computer, business, event, etc.
2. A statement, insult, etc. that prevents the opponent from replying further.
3. (psychology, autism) An autistic response to stress or sensory overload, in which the individual freezes up and becomes silent, motionless, and unresponsive.
4. (sports) A defensive ploy that prevents the opposing players from attacking.
5. (UK, slang) A big success; a hyped atmosphere.

Example Sentences

You need to enter your password at startup, but it's not required at shutdown.

There is a plastic molly-guard covering the escalator's shutdown button to prevent little kids from pushing it and stopping the escalator.

In 1963, there was even more of a shutdown [at Christmas]. The Western and London Midland Regions ran no trains, with the rest of the network having the "barest of skeleton services". The Daily Herald called Beeching's cuts "the most scrooge-like... in railway history".

When he insulted me, my reply was such a shutdown that he left the room.

I retreated into myself and allowed myself to be swallowed into a typically autistic shutdown.

I may even reach the point where I have an autistic shutdown, which means I'll be unable to communicate, interact or socialize.

Their [autistic girls'] distress could come out in all sorts of ways and result in meltdown or shutdown.

Fashion week and it's shutdown / Went to the show, sitting in the front row / In a black tracksuit and it's shutdown

Synonyms for shut down

Antonyms for shut down

Related Words

Word Forms

• shutdowns
• shut-down

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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