1. Literally, to close a door (i.e., to a house or room) abruptly, rudely, and/or forcefully when someone is about to enter or is standing in the doorway. I was so mad at Paul for the way he spoke to me earlier that I shut the door right in his face when he tried to get back in the apartment last night.

2. By extension, to remove, withdraw or deny very abruptly or rudely an opportunity or one's support from someone. This economy is so bad right now. Every business in town shut the door in my face when I asked about getting a job. The board of directors has shut the door in Wilkinson's face after rumors of his alleged embezzlement began to circulate.