Phrasal verb
shut up
Meanings
to stop talking (often used as an order and can be rude)
Image generation queued.
to close something completely so it is not open
Image generation queued.
to close a place for a period of time (e.g., a store or business)
Image generation queued.
Definition
To shut up means to stop talking or to close something tightly so it can’t open.
“Shut up” is most commonly used to tell someone to stop talking, and it often sounds rude or angry. It can also mean to close something completely, like a shop, a room, or a box. In the “stop talking” sense, learners should be careful because it can offend people; softer alternatives are “be quiet” or “please stop talking.”
Examples
- I told my brother to shut up, and I apologized right away.
- Could you shut up for a minute so I can hear the announcement?
- He shut up as soon as the meeting started.
- She shut up the suitcase and sat on it to make it latch.
- They shut up the café early because the power went out.
Common mistake
Learners may use “shut up” in polite situations, but it often sounds rude; use “be quiet” or “please lower your voice” instead.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.