shut

Formsshuts, shutting, shut

Pluralshuts

1. 1
   verbtransitive or intransitive

   To close an opening so that nothing can pass through.

   Like covering a hole so nothing can get through it.

   Please shut the door before you leave the house.

   The gate shut with a loud bang behind us.

   UsageThe past form is also shut: I shut it yesterday (not incorrect: shutted).

   Similarclose, seal, slam, block

   Oppositeopen

   Note
2. 2
   verbtransitive or intransitive

   To close a shop, factory, or service, or for it to stop working, for a while or for good.

   Like switching off a machine so it stops working.

   The bakery will shut for two weeks while the owners are away.

   The power plant will shut for two weeks.

   UsageOften shut down. A shop shuts at six or shuts for two weeks.

3. 3
   adjective

   Closed and not open, or folded together like a book.

   Her eyes were shut tight during the scary movie.

   Keep the box shut so the bugs stay outside.

   UsageOften after a verb: keep it shut, the door slammed shut, eyes shut tight.

   Similarclosed, sealed

   Oppositeopen, ajar

4. 4
   keep outverbtransitive

   To keep a person or group out so they cannot take part.

   Like a locked gate that keeps some people out.

   Don't shut your little brother out of the game.

   Living far from town can shut people out of good jobs.

   UsageSay shut someone out of a game or group.

   Similarexclude, bar

   Oppositeadmit, include

   Note
5. 5
   closed (shop)adjective

   Closed, so people cannot go in or use it.

   Like a store with its lights off and the door locked.

   The shop was shut by the time we arrived.

   All the stores are shut on the holiday.

   UsageSay the shop is shut or was shut. Signs usually say Closed.

6. 6
   close your mindverbtransitive or intransitive

   To become closed to new ideas or feelings, or to make someone that way.

   Like closing a window so no fresh air gets in.

   Try not to shut your mind to new ideas.

   Fear can shut your heart to other people.

   UsageSay shut your mind to new ideas.

   Similarclose

   Oppositeopen

7. 7
   lock inverbtransitive

   To keep someone or something inside a place, or away from other people.

   Like keeping a hamster safe inside its cage.

   They shut the dog in the kitchen while guests arrived.

   Don't shut the cat in the closet by accident.

   UsageSay shut the dog in the kitchen.

8. 8
   close (computer)verbtransitive or intransitive

   To close a program, window, or file on a computer.

   Like closing a book once you have finished reading it.

   Remember to shut the program before you turn off the computer.

   If the browser is slow, shut any tabs you are not using.

   UsageMost people say close a program or window.

   Similarclose, terminate, exit

   Oppositeopen

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