SHUT UP

{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./ Syn.: 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./