shutdown

[ shuht-doun ]

noun

1. a shutting down, as of a factory, school, or machine; a termination or suspension of operations, services, or business activity:

   a partial government shutdown;

   an emergency shutdown of a nuclear reactor.

shutdown

/ ˈʃʌtˌdaʊn /

noun

1. 1. the closing of a factory, shop, etc
   2. ( as modifier )

      shutdown costs

verb

1. to cease or cause to cease operation
2. tr to close by lowering
3. tr (of fog) to descend and envelop
4. informal.
   intr; foll by on or upon to put a stop to; clamp down on
5. tr to reduce the power level of (a nuclear reactor) to the lowest possible value

Word History and Origins

Origin of shutdown¹

1855–60, Americanism; noun use of verb phrase shut down

Example Sentences

More than 700,000 passengers suffered cancellations and delays in August 2023 due to the computer shutdown at NATS, the UK's air traffic control service.

From BBC

A suspicious bag seemingly abandoned on a bench prompted the shutdown of the Torrance courthouse early Wednesday and drew the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s bomb squad to the scene.

From Los Angeles Times

A statement from the country's national energy company said "strong winds caused by the major hurricane Rafael caused the shutdown of the national electricity system" and that emergency protocols had been activated.

From BBC

Pelosi led House Democrats throughout Trump's presidency and then his years as de facto leader of the opposition, repeatedly defying him through two impeachment processes, a government shutdown, legislative fights and a number of contentious meetings in the Cabinet Room captured on camera.

From Salon

L.A.’s financial district, once the thriving heart of downtown, struggles to bounce back from pandemic shutdown and homeless crisis.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• closedown
• closure
• stoppage