Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Shutting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ”’
Add to dictionary

shutting

[หˆสƒสŒtษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

closing something

Shutting refers to the action of closing or sealing an object, often a door, window, or lid. This action typically involves moving a sliding or swinging component into a closed position. Shutting can also imply the cessation of operations in a business or system. Often used in physical contexts, it can also refer to the closure of discussions or situations.

Synonyms

closing, concluding, fastening, restricting, sealing.

Examples of usage

  • Please start shutting the window to keep the cold air out.
  • After the meeting, we began shutting down the equipment.
  • Shutting the door quietly was her way of avoiding detection.
  • He finished his work by shutting his laptop.
Context #2 | Noun

process of closing

Shutting can also be used as a noun to describe the process or act of closing something, particularly in a definitive manner. This term emphasizes the end of an activity or the interruption of a function. It is often used in specific phrases, such as 'the shutting of a case' or 'the shutting of an era,' referring to the conclusion of events or situations.

Synonyms

cessation, closing, conclusion, end, termination.

Examples of usage

  • The shutting of the book marked the end of his reading.
  • With the shutting of the factory, many workers lost their jobs.
  • The shutting involved a series of decisions that affected the whole project.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, shutting doors can symbolize ending a phase or opportunity, such as the saying, 'When one door closes, another opens.'
  • The act of shutting something can signify privacy and protection in personal and communal spaces.
  • In literature, the closing of doors often represents an end to a chapter in life or the transitioning between different states of being.

Psychology

  • Shutting oneโ€™s eyes can be a natural response to stress, helping individuals block out overwhelming stimuli.
  • The concept of shutting down emotionally relates to a defense mechanism where individuals retreat from external pressures.
  • Closing off physical spaces, like a door, can create a sense of safety and control, affecting mental well-being.

Science

  • Shutting a door can actually help maintain a controlled climate in a room by preventing heat loss or gain.
  • In the context of physics, shutting a lid on a container can create pressure changes, influencing chemical reactions inside.
  • The act of shutting something tightly can affect airflow, important in various scientific experiments and engineering designs.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'shut the front door' has gained popularity as a humorous exclamation of surprise or disbelief.
  • In movies, shutting doors often serves as a dramatic device to heighten tension, especially in horror genres.
  • Music and art often depict moments of shutting as symbols of closure or transformation, like shutting a book as a metaphor for ending a story.

Origin of 'shutting'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'shut' comes from the Old English word 'sceotan,' meaning to close or block.
  • In Middle English, 'shuten' also meant to close or bring to an end.
  • The term has evolved but still retains its core meaning of sealing off an area.

The word 'shutting' originates from the Old English term 'scyttan', which means 'to close or fasten'. Its usage evolved through Middle English as 'shutten', referencing the act of closing something securely. The term has seen various forms throughout history, adapting to changes in language while retaining its fundamental meaning. The underlying roots can be traced back to Proto-Germanic '*skutลnฤ…', which also signifies a closing action. Over time, as English developed, the word became more versatile, seeing application in both physical and metaphorical contexts. Today, it maintains a crucial role in everyday language, connoting the act of closure in a wide array of situations, from simple tasks like closing a window to more abstract concepts like ending discussions or agreements.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,759, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.