shutoff

or shut-off

[ shuht-awf, -of ]

/ ˈʃʌtˌɔf, -ˌɒf /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for shutoff on Thesaurus.com

noun

an object or device that shuts (something) off: the automatic shutoff on a heater.

an act or instance of shutting off something, as an opening, a flow, or a service: a shutoff of electric power due to unpaid bills.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of shutoff

First recorded in 1865–70; noun use of verb phrase shut off

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use shutoff in a sentence

It was a huge step for Rick, who had become increasingly shut-off from feelings of sympathy.
A Primer For ‘The Walking Dead’ Season Four Premiere|Melissa Leon|October 11, 2013|DAILY BEAST
But the shut-off proved to be short lived and by 2002 Pakistan was already providing sanctuary for Mullah Omar.
A Shady Taliban Capture|Bruce Riedel|August 24, 2010|DAILY BEAST
A shut-off valve was fitted in each of the eduction pipes leading to the condensers.
Loss of the Steamship 'Titanic'|British Government
Matt flung down the can, adjusted the needle-valve of the gasoline shut-off which he had found out of order, and tried the motor.
Motor Matt's Daring, or, True to His Friends|Stanley R. Matthews

The jar of its fall had closed the gasoline shut-off, and he picked the machine out of the dust and once more got into the seat.
Motor Matt's Daring, or, True to His Friends|Stanley R. Matthews
The shut-off valve at the top of the device is interposed between the sediment cup and the carburetor.
Aviation Engines|Victor Wilfred Pag
It was a glorious night of early summer, yet lightning struck in that little shut-off section of the hotel.
Cynthia's Chauffeur|Louis Tracy

British Dictionary definitions for shutoff

shut-off

noun

a device that shuts something off, esp a machine control

a stoppage or cessation

verb shut off (tr, adverb)

to stem the flow of

to block off the passage through

to isolate or separate

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Idioms and Phrases with shutoff

shut off

Stop the flow or passage of, as in They shut off the water while repairs were being made. [Early 1800s]

Close off, isolate, as in Loners shut themselves off from the community. [First half of 1800s]