Define "shut down"

[CaffeineInfusion]

Just that really. What does it mean?

I know this isn't what you're referring to, but I often think when political protesters claim to have "shut down Central London" or "shut down Oxford Street". Usually when I walked right past them earlier, or just took an alternative route via some back streets.

It would be extremely difficult to literally "shut down" an entire city, and even then, where would the boundary be?

"Shut down" in terms of what? Context is key.

It doesn't have a set meaning.

The tabloids will use it as soon as there are any public restrictions on gatherings and/or travel