shutdown
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
the act of turning off a computer or stopping work at a factory or office.
the cessation of operations or activity, typically regarding machinery, computer systems, or industrial facilities.
Simple“The factory faced a temporary shutdown due to a lack of raw materials.”
In context“Following the security breach, the IT department initiated an emergency shutdown of all servers to prevent further data exfiltration.”
UsageOften used with 'emergency', 'temporary', or 'scheduled'.
- 02 C1 Advanced
a state where a person becomes silent and unable to react because they are overwhelmed by stress.
a defensive psychological state, often associated with neurodivergence, where an individual becomes unresponsive due to sensory or emotional overload.
Simple“After the loud party, he experienced a total shutdown and couldn't speak for an hour.”
In context“Clinicians distinguish between a meltdown, which is externalised, and a shutdown, where the patient internalises their distress and becomes physically motionless.”
Teacher's tipThis term is frequently used within the autistic community to describe a specific coping mechanism.
Synonyms - 03 C2 Proficiency
a very successful event or a great atmosphere.
a significant success or an event with a highly energetic, positive atmosphere.
Simple“The concert last night was a total shutdown.”
In context“The album launch was a complete shutdown, with fans lining up around the block and every track receiving massive radio play.”
UsageCommonly used in UK urban music scenes and youth culture.
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
a defensive play that completely stops the other team from scoring.
a defensive performance or strategy that effectively neutralises the opposing team's offensive capabilities.
Simple“The pitcher's shutdown of the rival team led them to a clean victory.”
In context“The coach credited the win to a defensive shutdown in the final quarter that left the opponents unable to find any space in the paint.”
Synonymsblockneutralisation
“Hungary, neighbouring Romania, has avoided a complete shutdown of its only nuclear plant, Paks, whose four reactors are also cooled by the Danube.”
“Neighbouring Hungary has so far avoided a shutdown of its only nuclear plant in Paks, which also uses the Danube.”