Language Research

shut · verb I or T

/ʃʌt/Full view

shut (CLOSE)

A2 to close something, or to become closed

Dictionary examples:

Would you shut the door, please?

I can’t get this window shut.

Mary shut her book and put it down on the table.

Learner example:

The doors shut by [them]selves. (First Certificate in English; B2; German)

shut (sth) down or shut down (sth)

B1 If a computer or machine shuts down or someone shuts it down, it stops operating.

Dictionary examples:

Make sure you shut down your computer before you leave.

The crew shut down one of the four engines on the plane.

Learner example:

I was as happy as a lark. I shut down the computer and I called my mom to tell her about the good news. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Farsi)

shut (sth) down or shut down (sth)

B2 If a business or organization shuts down or someone shuts it down, it closes.

Dictionary example:

The company plans to shut down four assembly plants and cut 10,000 jobs.

Learner example:

A great [number] of zoos ought to be shut down. (First Certificate in English; B2; Danish)

shut (sb) up

B2 to stop talking or making a noise, or to make someone do this

Dictionary examples:

I wish you'd shut up for a minute and listen to what the rest of us have to say.

Please just shut up! I’m trying to think.

My dad never stops talking. It's impossible to shut him up!

Learner example:

You must still remember that time we walked along the street, singing blues and rock, it's incredible the way that people shouted at us to shut up. (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)

shut · adjective never before noun

/ʃʌt/

shut (CLOSED)

B1 closed

Dictionary examples:

Her office door was shut all day.

Her eyes were shut, but she was still awake.

keep your mouth shut

B2 to not talk about something

Dictionary example:

If you don't keep your mouth shut, there'll be trouble.

Learner example:

She made every effort to keep her mouth shut but it disturbed her to be the only one to know the truth, apart from her brother. (First Certificate in English; B2; Turkish)