v. 1. informal To stop talking. Little Ruthie told Father about his birthday surprise before Mother could shut her up. Often used as a command; usually considered rude. Shut up and let Joe say something. If you'll shut up for a minute, I'll tell you our plan.
Synonym: BUTTON YOUR LIP, DRY UP 3 , KEEP ONE'S MOUTH SHUT. 2. To close the doors and windows of. We got the house shut up only minutes before the storm hit. 3. To close and lock for a definite period of time. The Smiths always spend Labor Day shutting up their summer home for the year. We got to the store only to find that the owner had shut up shop for the weekend. 4. To confine. That dog bites. It should be shut up. John has been shut up with a cold all week.