# shutdown

Pronunciation: say "SHUT-down" /ˈʃʌtˌdaʊn/

## Noun

1. The act of stopping the operations of a computer, business, or event.
   - Simple: The act of stopping a machine, business, or event from working.
   - _The government shutdown halted public services across the country for weeks._
   - _Engineers scheduled a complete shutdown of the reactor for maintenance._
2. A statement or insult that stops an opponent from replying any further.
   - Simple: A reply so strong that the other person cannot argue back.
   - _His witty shutdown drew laughter and ended the debate instantly._
   - _The senator delivered a devastating shutdown that silenced her critic._
3. A defensive tactic that prevents the opposing players from mounting an attack.
   - Simple: A defensive move in sports that stops the other team from attacking.
   - _Their second-half shutdown denied the opponents a single clear chance._
   - _The coach praised the defensive shutdown that protected the narrow lead._
4. An autistic response to stress or sensory overload in which a person freezes up and becomes silent, still, and unresponsive.
   - Simple: When an autistic person freezes up and goes quiet because stress or noise becomes too much.
   - _The crowded mall triggered a shutdown, and she sat motionless until it passed._
   - _During a shutdown, he becomes unable to respond even to simple questions._
5. A big success, or an exciting and heavily hyped atmosphere. *(slang, UK)*
   - Simple: A huge success, or an exciting and hyped-up atmosphere.
   - _The album launch turned into a complete shutdown, with fans queuing round the block._
   - _Everyone said the night was a shutdown, easily the best gig of the summer._

## Origin

This word is formed from the verb phrase "shut down."

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/shutdown (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).