shutdown

American  

[shuht-doun] / ˈʃʌtˌdaʊn /

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 British  

/ 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

Etymology

Origin of shutdown

1855–60, noun use of verb phrase shut down

Example Sentences

At the same time, gross domestic product growth slowed more than expected in the fourth quarter, hurt by the government shutdown.

From Barron's

Investors also parsed fresh data showing U.S. economic growth slowed to a 1.4% rate at the end of last year, below expectations, as the record government shutdown prompted a steep drop in federal spending.

From The Wall Street Journal

As a kicker, the first estimate of fourth quarter GDP was also light of expectations, with growth prospects trimmed by the government shutdown and persistent trade deficits.

From Barron's

Even after accounting for the effects of the federal government shutdown, AI represented nearly 60% of the growth in the U.S. economy.

From Barron's

—The combined November and December reports were originally scheduled for publication on Dec. 23 and Jan. 27, but were delayed due to the federal government shutdown.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• closedown
• closure
• stoppage