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

A spokesperson for the SEC said the agency isn’t able to respond to many press inquiries due to the ongoing government shutdown.

Read more on MarketWatch

The agency added that it will continue to abide by rules governing the government shutdown.

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Adding to the uncertainty is the fate of enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, which are at the center of the government shutdown.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

An escalating trade war, a prolonged government shutdown and a stagnant job market have economists and analysts fearing that consumer spending, a central driver of the U.S. economy, might slow down.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Senate lawmakers have queued up plans to pay federal workers through the duration of the shutdown, but neither bill is likely to pass.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• closedown 
• closure 
• stoppage