shutdown

noun

SHUT-down/ˈʃʌtˌdaʊn/

5 meanings of shutdown

1
nouncountable
The act of stopping a machine, business, or event from working.
Like turning off a machine so it completely stops.
The factory shutdown left hundreds of workers without jobs.
A computer shutdown can lose any work you forgot to save.
Similarclosure, stoppage, halt
Oppositestartup, reopening
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2
nouncountable
A reply so strong that the other person cannot argue back.
Like slamming a door so no one can keep talking.
Her quick shutdown left him with nothing to say.
That was the perfect shutdown to end the argument.
Similarput-down, comeback, retort, riposte, zinger
3
nouncountable
A defensive move in sports that stops the other team from attacking.
Like building a wall the other team cannot get past.
The team's shutdown kept the other side from scoring all game.
A strong defensive shutdown frustrated their best players.
Similarlockdown
Note
4
nouncountable
When an autistic person freezes up and goes quiet because stress or noise becomes too much.
Like a computer freezing when it has too much to handle at once.
After the loud party, she had a shutdown and could not speak.
His shutdown made it hard for him to move or answer questions.
Note
5
nounslangUKcountable
A huge success, or an exciting and hyped-up atmosphere.
Like a party so good that everyone is talking about it.
The festival was an absolute shutdown this year.
Their show last night was a total shutdown.
Similarsmash, hit, triumph, sensation, blast
Oppositeflop, failure, dud
Note

Practice

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Origin

It comes from the verb phrase "shut down."