1
: something (such as a valve) that shuts off
2
shut off; shutting off; shuts off
1
: to close off : separate
—usually used with from
shut off from the rest of the world
2
a
: to cut off (a flow or passage) : stop
shuts off the oxygen supply
b
: to stop the operation of (something, such as a machine)
shut the motor off
: to cease operating : stop
shuts off automatically
Examples of shutoff in a Sentence
Noun
the utility company threatened them with the shutoff of electricity if the bills weren't paid
Verb
threatened to shut off peace talks if the other side kept making unreasonable demands
shut off the computer to save electricity
Recent Examples on the Web
Natalie Wallington, Kansas City Star, 29 Jan. 2025
With thousands of utility customers suffering shutoffs because of wildfires, this technology is likely to remain strong through the year and beyond.
—Jamie Gold, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
Ann Rutledge, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
The company is, not coincidentally, shutting off security updates for most Windows 10 users in October.
—Ars Technica, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shutoff
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Noun
Each shutoff is counted only once, although the same household may have experienced multiple shutoffs in this period.
—Natalie Wallington, Kansas City Star, 29 Jan. 2025
With thousands of utility customers suffering shutoffs because of wildfires, this technology is likely to remain strong through the year and beyond.
—Jamie Gold, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
Verb
Credit factors in affordable housing are also shutting off opportunity for aspiring home buyers.
—Ann Rutledge, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
The company is, not coincidentally, shutting off security updates for most Windows 10 users in October.
—Ars Technica, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shutoff
Cite this Entry
“Shutoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shutoff. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
shutoff
1 of 2 noun
shut·off
ˈshət-ˌȯf 
1
: something that shuts off
2
: an instance of shutting off : interruption, stoppage
shut off
2 of 2 verbˌshət-ˈȯf
1
: to stop the flow of
shut off the water
2
a
: to stop the operation of
shut the motor off
b
: to cease operating
the light shuts off automatically
3
: to make or keep separate
shut off from the rest of the world
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