shutoff

1 of 2

noun

shut·​off ˈshət-ˌȯf How to pronounce shutoff (audio)
1
: something (such as a valve) that shuts off
2

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

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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Noun
On Friday, about 17,500 customers in 21 counties had been cut off, with the shutoffs possibly lasting through Saturday, according to PG&E’s latest update. Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 18 Oct. 2024 There are no plans for shutoffs Wednesday, Sarkissian added. Caelyn Pender, The Mercury News, 1 Oct. 2024
Verb
This has shut off any chilly air coming down from Canada. Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, 23 Oct. 2024 As memory and thinking problems accelerate, these seniors can lose track of bills, have their electricity shut off, or be threatened with eviction. Kff Health News, The Mercury News, 19 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for shutoff 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1847, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1818, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shutoff was in 1818

Dictionary Entries Near shutoff

Cite this Entry

“Shutoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shutoff. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

shutoff

1 of 2 noun
shut·​off ˈshət-ˌȯf How to pronounce shutoff (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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