shut down

What does "shut down" mean?

1. To close a business permanently
2. To turn off a computer completely
3. To refuse to discuss something

Examples

• The factory was shut down due to violations.
• Please shut down your computer before leaving.
• The government shut down during the budget dispute.
• She tried to discuss it, but he shut her down.
• The police shut down the illegal operation.

How to use it

'Shutdown' (noun) refers to a closure. 'Government shutdown' is when government stops operating.

Word order

Object can go between: 'shut the computer down' or after: 'shut down the computer'.

Similar expressions

Opposites

Related phrasal verbs

• shut up

  To stop talking (impolite command)

• shut off

  To stop the flow or operation of something

• shut out

  To prevent someone from entering

• turn down

  To reduce the volume, heat, or intensity of something

• bring down

  To cause something to fall or collapse

• go down

  To decrease in price, level, or amount