Word
shutdown
Phoneticsshut·down, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈʃətˌdaʊn/
UK/ʃˈʌtdaʊn/
Definitions
01stopping operations
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Computing
n. the act of turning off a computer or stopping work at a factory or office.
n. the cessation of operations or activity, typically regarding machinery, computer systems, or industrial facilities.
“The factory faced a temporary shutdown due to a lack of raw materials.”
“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'.
02psychological response
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Medicine Technical
n. a state where a person becomes silent and unable to react because they are overwhelmed by stress.
n. a defensive psychological state, often associated with neurodivergence, where an individual becomes unresponsive due to sensory or emotional overload.
“After the loud party, he experienced a total shutdown and couldn't speak for an hour.”
“Clinicians distinguish between a meltdown, which is externalised, and a shutdown, where the patient internalises their distress and becomes physically motionless.”
Teaching tip
This term is frequently used within the autistic community to describe a specific coping mechanism.
Synonyms
03a big success
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun British English · Slang
n. a very successful event or a great atmosphere.
n. a significant success or an event with a highly energetic, positive atmosphere.
“The concert last night was a total shutdown.”
“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.
04sports defense
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Sports American English
n. a defensive play that completely stops the other team from scoring.
n. a defensive performance or strategy that effectively neutralises the opposing team's offensive capabilities.
“The pitcher's shutdown of the rival team led them to a clean victory.”
“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.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“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.” Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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