Is shut down the same as close?

Not exactly. Shut down sounds stronger and more complete, especially for machines, businesses, and systems.

Can I use shut down for a person?

Yes. It usually means the person becomes emotionally closed or stops reacting.

Is shut down formal or informal?

It is common in both speech and writing. In business and news writing, it is very normal.

What is the difference between shut down and turn off?

Turn off usually means a device stops working. Shut down can mean that, but it also suggests a fuller stop or closure.

← Dictionary

shut down

/ʃʌt daʊn/

IELTSAcademic

verb

1.
To stop operating or to close a business, machine, service, or system. It can also mean to force something to stop.
- The factory shut down last year.
- My laptop shut down suddenly.
- The school shut down because of heavy rain.
2.
To make someone stop talking, reacting, or feeling open. In this use, it is often emotional or personal.
- She shut down when I asked about her job.
- He tends to shut down during arguments.
- Don't shut down after one mistake.

Adinary Nuance

Shut down is stronger and more final than close. You usually shut down a machine, system, business, or discussion when it stops working or must stop completely. For people, it means they become emotionally closed or stop responding, which is different from just being quiet. In formal writing, it can sound more forceful than stop or close.

In other languages

Vietnamese: đóng cửa
Spanish: cerrar
Chinese: 关闭
Japanese: 停止する
Korean: 중단하다

Etymology

Shut down came from the combination of shut and down in English. It became common in the 1800s, especially for closing machines and businesses.

Common phrases

shut down a businessshut down a computershut down the conversationshut down emotionally

Synonyms

close stop turn off close down

Related words

shutdown power off cease close

Frequently asked questions

Is shut down the same as close?: Not exactly. Shut down sounds stronger and more complete, especially for machines, businesses, and systems.
Can I use shut down for a person?: Yes. It usually means the person becomes emotionally closed or stops reacting.
Is shut down formal or informal?: It is common in both speech and writing. In business and news writing, it is very normal.
What is the difference between shut down and turn off?: Turn off usually means a device stops working. Shut down can mean that, but it also suggests a fuller stop or closure.