shutdown

[shuht-doun]

noun

1. a shutting down, as of a factory, school, or machine; a termination or suspension of operations, services, or business activity.

   a partial government shutdown;

   an emergency shutdown of a nuclear reactor.

shutdown

/ ˈʃʌtˌdaʊn /

noun

1. 1. the closing of a factory, shop, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      shutdown costs

verb

1. to cease or cause to cease operation

2. (tr) to close by lowering

3. (tr) (of fog) to descend and envelop

4. informal,  (intr; foll by on or upon) to put a stop to; clamp down on

5. (tr) to reduce the power level of (a nuclear reactor) to the lowest possible value

Word History and Origins

Origin of shutdown¹

1855–60, noun use of verb phrase shut down

Example Sentences

Secondly, suppliers that have lost income during the shutdown may not be able to bounce back as quickly.

From BBC

Democratic and Republican leaders remain far apart on how to end the partial shutdown of the US government as another day of voting approaches on Monday.

From BBC

“You’re starting to see a bit of a shutdown in some cases,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s unclear how long the government shutdown will last, and with the House in recess for another week, it will likely be awhile before any action will be taken.

From Salon

The union has more than 200,000 members in California and is being battered by the federal government shutdown, the state’s budget deficit and impending healthcare strikes.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• closedown 
• closure 
• stoppage