close down
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb (transitive & intransitive): * To stop operating permanently or for an extended period; to cause a business, factory, or service to cease functioning.
Usage
This verb is used to describe the permanent or long-term cessation of a business, service, or operation. It can be used with or without a direct object. * Transitive use (with an object): The subject causes the business to close. * The company will close down its oldest factory next month. * Intransitive use (without an object): The business ceases operation by itself. * Many small shops closed down during the economic crisis.
Examples
- The local cinema closed down last year due to lack of customers.
- The government ordered the newspaper to close down.
- They had to close down the restaurant after the health inspection.
- The website will close down at the end of the month.
Advanced Usage
- "to close down on (someone/something)": To move nearer to someone or something to restrict their space or movement, often used in sports commentary.
- The defender quickly closed down on the striker, preventing a shot.
Variants and Related Words
- Close (verb): A more general term for ceasing operation, which can be temporary (e.g., a store closes at night) or permanent. "Close down" strongly implies permanence.
- Shut down (verb): A very close synonym, often used interchangeably with "close down," especially for factories, systems, or machines.
- Closure (noun): The act or instance of closing down.
- The closure of the mine devastated the town.
Synonyms
- Shut down
- Cease operation
- Go out of business
- Fold (informal)
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Close up: Very similar to "close down" but can also refer to the daily act of securing a business at the end of the day.
- I close up the shop at 6 PM. (daily)
- They decided to close up for good. (permanently)
Related Idioms
- To be closed down: The passive state of having ceased operation.
- The old theater has been closed down for years.
Verb
- cease to operate or cause to cease operating
- The owners decided to move and to close the factory
- My business closes every night at 8 P.M.
- close up the shop