I. ˈshət verb
( shut ; shut·ting )
Etymology: Middle English shetten, shutten, from Old English scyttan; akin to Middle Dutch schutten to shut in, Old English scēotan to shoot — more at shoot
Date: before 12th century
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
II. adjective
Date: 15th century
1. : closed, fastened, or folded together
2. : rid , clear , free — usually used with of
III. noun
Date: 1667
: the act of shutting