adj.
Pronunciation: ' sh ə t
Function: verb
Inflected Form: shut ; shut · ting
Etymology: Middle English shetten, shutten, from Old English scyttan; akin to Middle Dutch schutten to shut in, Old English sc ē otan 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