Stopping, Suppressing, or Silencing (Down): English Vocabulary List

to take strict measures to control or suppress something, often via enforcing rules or regulations

"Police clamped down on protesters."

"The police promised to clamp down on illegal street racing after several serious accidents occurred in the city."

(of a business, shop, company, etc.) to no longer be open or operating, particularly permanently

"The factory closed down permanently."

"The local factory was forced to close down due to a lack of orders and increased competition from overseas."

to take decisive measures to enforce rules or laws

"Crack down on illegal parking."

"The school administration is cracking down on students who use their phones during class by confiscating the devices."

to signal a vehicle to stop, often by using hand gestures

"Flag down a passing taxi."

"The stranded motorist flagged down a passing police car to ask for help with his broken vehicle."

to maintain something at a low level and prevent it from increasing

"Keep down the noise please."

"Please try to keep the noise down because the baby is finally sleeping after crying for hours."

to stop talking or making noise

"Pipe down the noisy children."

"The teacher told the noisy students to pipe down so that she could begin the lesson."

to become silent or less noisy

"Quiet down the noisy classroom."

"The librarian asked the noisy students to quiet down so that others could study in peace."

to silence someone or not allow their speech or opinion to be heard by making loud noises or shouting

"The crowd shouted down the speaker."

"The angry protesters tried to shout down the speaker so that no one could hear what he was trying to say."

to set rules that restrict freedom

"Rules tie down our choices."

"The new regulations will tie down small businesses with excessive paperwork and compliance."

to cause something to get stuck in mud or wet ground, preventing it from moving easily

"The car will bog down."

"The heavy rainfall caused the unpaved road to turn into a muddy mess, threatening to bog down any vehicles attempting to pass."

to forcefully suppress emotions or reactions

"He will choke down tears."

"Despite the immense pressure and public scrutiny, the politician managed to choke down his frustration and maintain a composed demeanor."

to restrict the freedom, rights, or aspirations of individuals or groups, often through oppressive or authoritarian measures

"They hold down workers."

"Historically, oppressive regimes have sought to hold down their populations by limiting access to education and information."

to prevent the progress of something

"They shoot down ideas."

"The committee's primary function seemed to be to shoot down every innovative proposal brought before them without proper consideration."

to make something stop working

"He shuts down the computer before leaving."

"Please shut down your computer properly before leaving the office to avoid losing any unsaved work."