shutoff

1 of 2

noun

shut·​off ˈshət-ˌȯf 

1

: something (such as a valve) that shuts off

2

: stoppage, interruption

shut off

2 of 2

verb

shut off; shutting off; shuts off

transitive verb

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

intransitive verb

: to cease operating : stop

shuts off automatically

Synonyms

Noun

• arrest
• arrestment
• cease
• cessation
• check
• close
• closedown
• closure
• conclusion
• cutoff
• discontinuance
• discontinuation
• end
• ending
• expiration
• finish
• halt
• lapse
• offset
• shutdown
• stay
• stop
• stoppage
• surcease
• termination

Verb

• break
• break off
• break up
• can [slang]
• cease
• cut off
• cut out
• desist (from)
• discontinue
• drop
• end
• give over
• halt
• knock off
• lay off
• leave off
• pack (up or in)
• quit
• stop

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

Noun

Some 3,300 customers in the Malibu area remained without power, due to safety shutoffs and for firefighter safety. —Christopher Weber, TIME, 11 Dec. 2024

Across the region, almost 40,000 customers had their electricity cut through planned shutoffs. —Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 10 Dec. 2024

Verb

Instead of going through the proper eviction process, a landlord changes the locks, shuts off the water or cuts the electricity to try to force their tenant out. —Gina Lee Castro, Journal Sentinel, 25 Nov. 2024

These heaters have built-in Oxygen Depletion Sensors, so in theory they’re supposed to shut off if there’s not enough oxygen in the space. —Bryan Rogala, Outside Online, 22 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1847, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1818, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids 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 verb

ˌshət-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