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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Shut Meaning, Examples, and Usage Guide (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：close (shut)

shut 🔊

/ʃʌt/

to move something so it is not open anymore, like a door or a window.

Hand closing a wooden door with a handle, shut action

close 🔊

➕

/kloʊz/

To move something, such as a door, window, or container, into a position that blocks an opening or prevents access.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English 'scyttan' meaning 'to close by pushing'; related to 'shoot'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'shut' as 'shove it shut' — pushing something until it closes.

📖 Example

My mom always reminds me to shut the window before I turn on the air conditioner. 🔊 My mom always reminds me to shut the window before I turn on the air conditioner.

🔗 Collocations

shut the door – to close a door so that it is no longer open

shut the window – to close a window so that no air or noise passes through

shut the gate – to close a gate to prevent entry or exit

🔄 Synonyms

close (v.) – to move something so that it covers an opening; the most common synonym

seal (v.) – to close something firmly so that no air or liquid can enter or escape

latch (v.) – to close and fasten something with a latch

🚫 Antonyms

open (v.) – to move something so that it is no longer closed

unlock (v.) – to open the lock of something so that it can be opened

unbar (v.) – to remove a bar from something, allowing it to be opened

🌱 Derivatives

shutter (n.) – a movable cover for a window or door that can be closed to block light or protect

shutdown (n.) – the act of closing a machine, system, or business for a period of time

shutoff (n.) – the act of stopping the flow of something such as water or electricity

📖 Cultural Story

Historically, 'shut' derives from Old English 'scyttan' meaning 'to close by pushing,' related to 'shoot.' It has been used for doors and windows since at least the 1300s.

Meaning 2：close down (shut)

shut 🔊

/ʃʌt/

When a shop, factory, or business stops operating, often for a long time or forever.

Shop with metal shutter down and Closed sign, shut down

close down 🔊

➕

/kloʊz daʊn/

When a business, shop, or factory permanently or temporarily ceases operations.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

The little coffee shop on the corner will shut for two weeks during the summer holiday. 🔊 The little coffee shop on the corner will shut for two weeks during the summer holiday.

🔗 Collocations

shut down – to close a business or industrial operation permanently or for a long period

shut up shop – to close a shop for the day or to cease business activity

shut for business – to be closed to customers during a specific period

🔄 Synonyms

close (v.) – to stop operating as a business or service

cease operations (phrase) – to stop all business activities permanently or temporarily

fold (v.) – informal term for a business that fails and closes permanently

🚫 Antonyms

open (v.) – to start a new business or begin operations again

start up (phrase) – to begin operations of a new business or enterprise

resume (v.) – to begin again after a pause or closure

🌱 Derivatives

shutdown (n.) – the act of closing a business or facility, often temporarily

shuttering (n.) – the process of closing a shop or business for an extended period