Shut

Shut is a verb meaning to cause something to become closed or to become closed itself. It is irregular: the present tense is shut or shuts (as in "he shuts the door"), the past tense is shut, the past participle is shut, and the present participle is shutting. In addition to its verbal use, shut can function as an adjective meaning closed, as in "the shop is shut." The word is widely used in both literal and figurative contexts.

Common uses describe closing physical openings such as doors, windows, lids, and containers. It can also describe ceasing operation or access, as in shut down, shut off, or shut out. Phrasal verb constructions are frequent: shut up (become quiet or stop talking), shut down (cease operations), shut off (cut off supply), shut out (prevent entry or influence). The phrase shut up shop is a British idiom meaning to close a shop for the day or permanently.

Usage notes and nuance: shut often implies a more complete or forceful closure than close, and can carry a sense of finality or security. In British English, the adjective form shut is common in phrases like "the shop is shut" or "shut up shop." In American English, close is more common for everyday closings, while shut appears in similar but sometimes more emphatic expressions.

Overall, shut is versatile across literal closures and figurative restrictions, with a range of fixed phrases that emphasize finality or interruption.