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 of shutoff

Noun

• cessation
• halt
• ending
• end
• shutdown
• closure
• close

Verb

• stop
• cease
• halt
• end
• cut off
• quit
• lay off
• cut out
• leave off

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

The compact, rechargeable design features a digital display, preset selector and automatic shutoff. — ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026

Hardy said part of the unpaid balance dates back to 2020, when Atlanta suspended water shutoffs during the COVID-19 pandemic to protect public health. — CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026

Verb

The Saudis had spent $5 billion to fund the league before shutting off the financial spigot. — Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2026

The instruments were shut off for months to reduce power use and keep Swift from sinking. — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1847, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1818, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for shutoff

• ashraf
• checkoff
• cutoff
• falloff
• handoff
• kickoff
• layoff
• liftoff
• markoff
• markov
• payoff
• playoff

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