shut up

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Also seen as: shup

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To close (a building) so that no one can enter.

Where it’s used: Used American English
Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To terminate (a business).

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To put (someone or something) in a secure enclosed space, such as a room or container.

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “shut up” mean?

To close (a building) so that no one can enter.

Is “shut up” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.