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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Its implementation was interrupted by a complete statewide moratorium on water shutoffs during the COVID pandemic. Susan Shelley, Oc Register, 7 May 2025 Florida is home to over 1.43 million veterans, and in 2019, over one-quarter reported living in households experiencing financial hardship, increasing their chances of experiencing a utility shutoff. Chelsea Rivera, Orlando Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
These can all be symptoms of the menopause transition, a natural process that a woman goes through as her brain and body wind down and eventually shut off the ability to reproduce. Andrea Kane, CNN Money, 13 May 2025 An 80 percent tariff, while a big drop from the current 145 percent, would still most likely shut off most trade between the countries. Alan Rappeport, New York Times, 10 May 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shutoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shutoff. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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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