shutdown

noun

1. 1

   The 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.

   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".

2. 2

   A 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. 3

   An 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.

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

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

4. 4

   A defensive ploy that prevents the opposing players from attacking.

5. 5

   slangA 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

Forms

plural

shutdowns