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, noun use of verb phrase shut down

Example Sentences

The social media magnate announced in January that the company, which owns Facebook and Instagram, would implement a startling fact-checking shutdown in the United States, as well as rollbacks to its hate speech policy worldwide.

From Salon

"Our focus remains on supporting our customers, suppliers, colleagues, and our retailers who remain open," JLR said in a statement confirming the shutdown extension.

From BBC

The shutdown is believed to be costing the company at least £50m a week in lost production.

From BBC

Owner Fiskars Group confirmed the temporary shutdown would start at Barlaston on 29 September, and was happening "to address elevated inventory levels caused by lower consumer demand in some of our key markets".

From BBC

As Congress wakes up from its self-imposed slumber to face the prospect of yet another government shutdown showdown, what Vought said has particular salience.

From Salon

Related Words

• closedown 
• closure 
• stoppage