shut down

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Word: Shut Down

Part of Speech: Verb

Basic Definition: "Shut down" means to stop something from working or to make it stop operating. This can refer to machines, businesses, or even activities.

Usage Instructions:

• Subject: You can use "shut down" with a subject that is performing the action (like a person or a company).
• Object: The thing that is being stopped (like a machine, business, or computer) should come after "shut down."

Examples:

1. Basic Example:

   • "The factory will shut down next month."
   • (This means the factory will stop operating.)

2. Everyday Example:

   • "I shut down my computer before going to bed."
   • (This means I turned my computer off.)

Advanced Usage:

• "Shut down" can also refer to stopping an operation due to economic reasons, safety, or other factors.
• Example: "Due to the pandemic, many businesses had to shut down temporarily."

Word Variants:

• Shut: A simpler form of the word, often used in informal contexts.
• Shutdown: A noun form that refers to the act of stopping something.
  • Example: "The shutdown of the power plant caused a blackout in the city."

Different Meanings:

• Emotional Context: "Shut down" can also mean to stop talking or engaging emotionally.
  • Example: "After the argument, she shut down and didn't want to speak."

Synonyms:

• Close: To bring to an end.
• Cease: To stop doing something.
• Turn off: Specifically for machines or devices.

Idioms and Related Phrasal Verbs:

• Close up: Similar meaning, often used when talking about businesses.

  • Example: "We will close up the shop at 6 PM."

• Shut off: To stop the flow of something (like water or electricity).

  • Example: "Please shut off the water before fixing the sink."

Summary:

"Shut down" is a versatile verb used to describe stopping something from operating. It can be used in various contexts, from machinery to emotional states.

Academic

Verb

1. cease to operate or cause to cease operating
   • The owners decided to move and to close the factory
   • My business closes every night at 8 P.M.
   • close up the shop

Synonyms

• close up
• close
• fold
• close down