Baz... dishwashers/washing machines/etc.
They have a shut-off valve that abruptly turns off the water supply.
It's the sudden nature of the supply being cut off that sends a shock wave back through the whole system.
Turning off a tap slowly often doesn't result in this. Doing it quickly can. Also quarter-turn taps can do the same thing.
High water pressure doesn't help either. MOST properties have far too high a pressure than is really needed. (6,7,8 Bar or more. 3 Bar is usually enough.)