Shut down
2 meanings · select one to explore
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Meaning 1 of 3
Definition
To close a business, or to stop something such as an activity, idea, or rumor
Example sentence
The city shut down the restaurant after the health inspection.
Real video usage
Three clips showing this meaning in natural speech.
Don’t see captions? Click the CC button on the video to turn them on.
Don’t see captions? Click the CC button on the video to turn them on.
Don’t see captions? Click the CC button on the video to turn them on.
Common collocations
Natural word pairings to memorize.
Common pattern: shut down + business / event / rumor (noun)
shut down a business
shut down a protest
shut down a rumor
shut down a claim
Separable usage
Can the object split the verb? Compare correct vs incorrect.
Police shut down the street for the parade. ✅ (Correct)
Police shut the street down for the parade. ✅ (Correct)
Meaning 1 of 3
Definition
To turn off a machine or system, or for it to stop working
Example sentence
Please shut down your computer before you leave.
Real video usage
Three clips showing this meaning in natural speech.
Don’t see captions? Click the CC button on the video to turn them on.
Don’t see captions? Click the CC button on the video to turn them on.
Don’t see captions? Click the CC button on the video to turn them on.
Common collocations
Natural word pairings to memorize.
Common pattern: shut down + machine / system (noun)
shut down the computer
shut down the system
shut down the engine
shut down for the night
Separable usage
Can the object split the verb? Compare correct vs incorrect.
The technician shut down the server for repairs. ✅ (Correct)
The technician shut the server down for repairs. ✅ (Correct)