[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./
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