First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1shut
verb \ˈshət\
: to close (something)
: to become closed
: to stop the services or activities of (a business, school, etc.) for a period of time or forever
shutshut·ting
Full Definition of SHUT
transitive verb
1
a : to move into position to close an opening <shut the lid> b : to prevent entrance to or passage to or from
2
: to confine by or as if by enclosure <shut herself in her study>
3
: to fasten with a lock or bolt
4
: to close by bringing enclosing or covering parts together <shut the eyes>
5
: to cause to cease or suspend an operation or activity —often used with down
intransitive verb
1
: to close itself or become closed <flowers that shut at night>
2
: to cease or suspend an operation or activity —often used with down
See shut defined for English-language learners
See shut defined for kids
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Origin of SHUT
Middle English shetten, shutten, from Old English scyttan; akin to Middle Dutch schutten to shut in, Old English scēotan to shoot — more at shoot
2shut
adjective
: not open
: not operating or open to the public
Full Definition of SHUT
1
: closed, fastened, or folded together
See shut defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SHUT
15th century
3shut
noun
SHUT Defined for Kids
shut
verb \ˈshət\
shutshut·ting
Definition of SHUT for Kids
1
: to close or become closed <She shut the book loudly.> <The door shuts by itself.>
2
: to stop or cause to stop operation <She shut down the computer.> <Shut off the TV.>
3
: to confine by or as if by enclosing or by blocking the way out <Guards shut the thieves in a jail cell.>
4
: to close by bringing parts together <Don't look! Shut your eyes!>
— shut out
1
: to keep (something) from entering <Curtains shut out the sun.>
2
: to keep (an opponent) from scoring in a game
— shut up
: to stop talking
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