shutdown

plural shutdowns · alternative shut-down

1. countableuncountableThe action of stopping operations; a closing, of a computer, business, event, etc.

   You need to enter your password at startup, but it's not required at shutdown.

   2 more examples

   There is a plastic molly-guard covering the escalator's shutdown button to prevent little kids from pushing it and stopping the escalator.

   In 1963, there was even more of a shutdown [at Christmas]. The Western and London Midland Regions ran no trains, with the rest of the network having the "barest of skeleton services". The Daily Herald called Beeching's cuts "the most scrooge-like... in railway history".

   2023 December 27, David Turner, “Silent lines...”, in RAIL, number 999, page 30

   Synonyms: shuttering

2. countableuncountableA statement, insult, etc. that prevents the opponent from replying further.

   When he insulted me, my reply was such a shutdown that he left the room.

3. countableuncountableautismhuman sciencesAn autistic response to stress or sensory overload, in which the individual freezes up and becomes silent, motionless, and unresponsive.

   I retreated into myself and allowed myself to be swallowed into a typically autistic shutdown.

   2018, Laura James, Odd Girl Out: My Extraordinary Autistic Life, unnumbered page

   2 more examples

   I may even reach the point where I have an autistic shutdown, which means I'll be unable to communicate, interact or socialize.

   2020, Siena Castellon, The Spectrum Girl's Survival Guide: How to Grow Up Awesome and Autistic, page 34

   Their [autistic girls'] distress could come out in all sorts of ways and result in meltdown or shutdown.

   2021, Carly Jones, Safeguarding Autistic Girls: Strategies for Professionals, pages 61–62

4. countableuncountablehobbiesA defensive ploy that prevents the opposing players from attacking.
5. UKcountableslanguncountableA big success; a hyped atmosphere.

   Fashion week and it's shutdown / Went to the show, sitting in the front row / In a black tracksuit and it's shutdown

   2015, “Shutdown”, performed by Skepta