26984 words

shuts

9 definitions • 19 examples
1
to (cause to) close something:

Examples:

Please shut the gate.
I've got a surprise for you! Shut your eyes tightly and hold out your hand.
Mary shut her book and put it down on the table.
This window won't shut - it's jammed.
2
to (cause to) stop operating or being in service, either temporarily or permanently:

Examples:

The shops shut at eight o'clock on Wednesday evenings.
It's such a shame they shut that factory (down).
3

Examples:

I suspected something was wrong when I noticed her curtains were still shut at lunchtime.
figurative The government ought to have opened the door to Japanese investment instead of slamming it shut.
4
to close something:

Examples:

[ T ] Would you shut the door, please?
[ I ] I can’t get this window shut.
[ T ] I shut the book (= closed it) and put it back on the shelf.
5
not open; closed:

Examples:

Her office door was shut all day.
Her eyes were shut, but she was still awake.
6
if a store, restaurant, or public place shuts or someone shuts it, it stops being open for business at the end of the day, week, etc.:

Examples:

The shops shut at 7 on Friday.
7
if a business shuts or is shut, it stops operating permanently:

Examples:

When tougher controls force these dumps to shut, their operators will vanish.
The older plant will be shut down soon.
8

Examples:

Last weekend the greengrocer shut up shop and others are likely to follow.
In contrast to other national institutions that are shutting up shop for Christmas, nobody knows when - if ever - it will re-open.
9
not open for business:

Examples:

Tourists arrived to find the shops and restaurants shut.

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