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 representative for Fong said his office was dealing with issues related to the U.S. government shutdown and so was unable to comment.

From Los Angeles Times

He said the government shutdown, which began on Tuesday, had afforded him an "unprecedented opportunity".

From BBC

She blames the Republican party for the government shutdown, saying, “If they want to keep the government open, they would have, they would have negotiated with Democrats, but they chose not to.”

From Los Angeles Times

US Senators have for a fourth time failed to pass spending proposals to reopen the federal government, extending the ongoing shutdown into next week.

From BBC

US lawmakers from both parties are pointing the finger at one another as thousands of workers sit on unpaid leave and the shutdown continues with no end in sight.

From BBC

Related Words

• closedown 
• closure 
• stoppage