To stop operating permanently, especially for a business, shop, or organization.
The old bakery had to close down because it wasn't making enough money.
A: Did you hear about the gym? B: Yeah, they had to close down last month. It's such a shame.
In my hometown, several small shops have closed down in recent years due to competition from big supermarkets.
Common mistake
✗The café closed down its business.
✓The café closed down. / They closed the café down.
When the business itself stops, it just 'closes down' (intransitive).
Tell it apart
The shop closed down.
stopped operating for good
The shop closed early.
just shut for the day
Use 'close down' when something stops operating for good, not just for a short time.'Close' can mean to shut temporarily, but 'close down' means to shut permanently.
To bring a discussion, debate, or line of questioning to an abrupt or decisive end, often to prevent further argument or scrutiny.
The chairperson closed down the heated debate before it could escalate further.
A: I still have a few concerns about the proposal. B: I'm afraid the matter has been closed down for now; let's move on to the next item.
In some meetings, leaders may close down criticism too quickly, which can stifle genuine discussion and innovation.
Common mistake
✗Every time I raised it, he closed down it.
✓Every time I raised it, he closed it down.
With a pronoun object, put it in the middle — 'closed it down', not 'closed down it'.
Tell it apart
He closed down the debate.
shut it off, refused to continue
He opened up the debate.
invited discussion
'Close down' in this sense is used to describe ending a conversation or debate in a way that leaves no room for further input, often by someone in a position of authority. It is common in academic, professional, or formal group settings.Unlike the B1 sense, which refers to stopping a business or organization from operating, this sense is figurative and refers to ending a discussion or debate, not a physical entity.