shutdown

1 of 2

noun

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

Relevance

Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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 deployment of support teams, known as Epi-Aids, was put on hold by the federal government as communities in multiple states dealt with HIV outbreaks during the government shutdown in the fall of 2025, according to STAT News. — Finch Walker, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 An unmanaged shutdown of the Secuda coal-to-liquids plant operated by South African energy company Sasol could wipe $550 million off the country’s $400 billion economy and cost nearly 25,000 jobs, researchers said. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 24 Aug. 2026
Verb
If no deal is in place, the owners are expected to lock out the players, shutting down the usual offseason activity. — Evan Drellich, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2026 Pereyra is second in the league with 17 big chances created, something the Lions need to shut down. — Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for shutdown

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Browse Nearby Words

shut away
shutdown
shut down
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shutdown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shutdown. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

shutdown

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