For Individuals|For Teachers
Vocapedia
Log inTry for Free
Log in

Looking up...

Words

  • Words of the Year
  • Recent Lookups
  • My Dictionary

Languages

  • English
  • Vietnamese
  • Japanese
  • Chinese
  • Spanish
  • French
  • Korean
  • German

Features

  • Words of the Year
  • My Collections List
  • Reviews
  • Learning Resources
  • Community Collections

Learn

  • How It Works
  • Study Guides
  • Language Tips
  • FAQ
  • Getting Started

Community

  • Forum
  • Blog
  • Help Center
  • Partnerships

About

  • About Vocapedia
  • Contact Us
  • Feedback

Legal

  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Accessibility
  • GDPR Compliance
© 2026 Vocapedia. All rights reserved.

shutdown

/ˈʃʌtˌdaʊn/
noun, verb★Intermediate
general

the act of closing down a system, machine, or operation

The computer performed an automatic shutdown due to overheating.

The computer turned itself off to prevent damage from overheating.

💡

Commonly used in technology and business contexts.

💼Business
Business

a temporary or permanent closure of a business or service

The factory faced a shutdown due to financial difficulties.

The factory had to close because it was not making enough money.

💡

Often used in economic or industrial contexts.

💻Technology
technical

a deliberate halt to a process or activity, often for safety or maintenance

The nuclear reactor underwent a controlled shutdown to prevent a meltdown.

The reactor was safely turned off to avoid a dangerous accident.

💡

Used in engineering and technical fields.

Collocations

system shutdownthe process of turning off a computer or electronic systemgovernment shutdowna temporary closure of government operations due to budget disputesemergency shutdownan immediate halt to operations to prevent danger

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

shut downphrasal verb
to close or stop something
shutdown procedurephrase
a set of steps to safely turn off a system

💡Pro Tip

Technical vs. Business Use

In technology, 'shutdown' refers to turning off systems, while in business, it can mean closing a company.

⚡Gold Rule

Safety First

Always follow proper shutdown procedures to avoid damage or accidents.

📖Word Origin

From 'shut' (to close) + 'down' (in a downward direction), first recorded in the late 19th century.

📝Usage Notes

In technology, 'shutdown' often refers to the process of safely turning off a device. In business, it can refer to the closure of a company or service.

Word Breakdown

shut
to close
root
+
down
in a downward direction
suffix
English Dictionary

Learning Progress

Track your learning journey!

• Save words to build your vocabulary

• Monitor your daily streak

• Get personalized review reminders

• See words learned statistics

Log in to access advanced features and track your progress!

Go to Dashboard →