ENGLISH
REFERENCE

shutdown

n.
US //ˈʃətˌdaʊn// UK //ʃˈʌtdaʊn// shut·down
  1. 1 stopping operations (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Computing

    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.

    Example

    The factory faced a temporary shutdown due to a lack of raw materials.

    Example

    Following the security breach, the IT department initiated an emergency shutdown of all servers to prevent further data exfiltration.

    Usage

    Often used with 'emergency', 'temporary', or 'scheduled'.
  2. 2 psychological response (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Medicine

    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.

    Example

    After the loud party, he experienced a total shutdown and couldn't speak for an hour.

    Example

    Clinicians distinguish between a meltdown, which is externalised, and a shutdown, where the patient internalises their distress and becomes physically motionless.

    Teacher's tip

    This term is frequently used within the autistic community to describe a specific coping mechanism.
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  1. 3 a big success (n.)
    C2 Proficiency British English Slang

    a very successful event or a great atmosphere.

    a significant success or an event with a highly energetic, positive atmosphere.

    Example

    The concert last night was a total shutdown.

    Example

    The album launch was a complete shutdown, with fans lining up around the block and every track receiving massive radio play.

    Usage

    Commonly used in UK urban music scenes and youth culture.
  2. 4 sports defense (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate American English Sport

    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.

    Example

    The pitcher's shutdown of the rival team led them to a clean victory.

    Example

    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.

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