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3. shut down

shut down

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shut down

to stop working or operating If the air conditioning system fails to turn on, the computers will overheat and shut down. The radio station shut down all broadcasting last week.

See also: down, shut

shut down

1. See close down, def. 1.

2. Stop or switch off machinery, as in They shut down all the machines for one week a year. [Late 1800s]

See also: down, shut

shut down

v.

1. To stop the operation of something, especially when a special process is required: The inspectors shut down the restaurant when they found a rat in the kitchen. I shut the computers down every night.

2. To stop operating, especially when a special process is required: The factory shut down for the holiday.

See also: down, shut