shut down — to stop a machine, computer, or business from operating
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to stop a machine, computer, or business from operating
Pronunciation (IPA): /ʃʌt daʊn/
Example Sentences
- My laptop always takes forever to shut down, just like my brain after studying all night.
- The restaurant had to shut down after the health inspector found a family of mice living in the kitchen.
- Please shut down all electronic devices before takeoff.
shut down
VERB[/ʃʌt daʊn/]
to stop a machine, computer, or business from operating
to stop a machine, computer, or business from operating
Shut down the system, cut down the workload, get down and unplug!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This phrasal verb emerged in the 16th century from the combination of 'shut' (from Old English 'scyttan', meaning to close or bolt) and 'down' (from Old English 'dune', originally denoting downward direction). The phrase gradually acquired the extended sense of ceasing operations or turning off systems.
Breakdown
shut (close, bolt) + down (downward direction, cessation). The verb 'shut' derives from Old English 'scyttan' (to bar or fasten), while 'down' comes from Old English 'dune' (downward), which evolved to express completion or termination of action.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My laptop always takes forever to shut down, just like my brain after studying all night.”
“The restaurant had to shut down after the health inspector found a family of mice living in the kitchen.”
“Please shut down all electronic devices before takeoff.”
“The power plant was shut down for maintenance last week.”
📚Related Words
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