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to shut up
[phrase form: shut]
Grammatical Information
Composition
phrasal
action verb
regular
inseparable
particle
up
base verb
shut
present tense
shut up
3rd person singular
shuts up
present participle
shutting up
past simple
shut up
past participle
shut up
Examples
As soon as the movie started, the audience gradually shut up.
02
to make someone stop talking
Examples
The librarian shut up the noisy group in the reading area.
03
to confine something or someone in a way that prevents movement or escape
Examples
The police officer shut up the suspect in a holding cell for questioning.
shut up
01
used as a forceful command telling someone to stop talking or be quiet
Informal
Offensive
What is the origin of the term "shut up" and how is it used?
"Shut up" is an English phrase that dates back to at least the 18th century, originally meaning to enclose or confine something, and later used figuratively to tell someone to stop talking. It is a forceful command used to demand silence, often in informal, confrontational, or frustrated contexts. The phrase is mildly to moderately rude, depending on tone and situation, and is considered impolite in formal or polite conversation.
Examples
Shut up already – nobody wants to hear your excuses.
shut up
01
closely confined
Grammatical Information
Composition
Compound
qualitative
Superlative
most shut up
Comparative
more shut up
gradable
