shutoff

noun

shut·off | \ˈshət-ˌȯf

Definition of shutoff

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : something (such as a valve) that shuts off

2 : stoppage, interruption

shut off

verb

Definition of shut off (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to close off : separate —usually used with from shut off from the rest of the world

2a : 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 & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about shutoff

Keep scrolling for more

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

So far, the system has adapted to power failures, including one triggered by a smoke alarm on the station (a false alarm), and another one that happened when an astronaut accidentally kneed the system’s emergency power shutoff. — Mary Beth Griggs, The Verge, "A supercomputer on the ISS will soon be open for science experiments," 1 Nov. 2018 Nikolai Vitti, superintendent of the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD), announced the shutoff Wednesday. — Beth Mole, Ars Technica, "Lead in US school water “disturbing”—Detroit just shut off all fountains," 31 Aug. 2018 Next, clean and flux a shutoff valve for the cold side and slide it over the tubing end place and solder it in place. — Steve Willson, Popular Mechanics, "How To Install An Electric Water Heater," 24 Aug. 2018 While there are no national data on shutoffs, some utilities say their numbers are rising. — David Harrison, WSJ, "Why Your Water Bill Is Rising Much Faster Than Inflation," 15 Mar. 2018 An Oakland program has enabled the utility district to reduce the number of shutoffs to 10,952 last year from 13,400 in 2014, according to EBMUD General Manager Alexander Coate. — David Harrison, WSJ, "Why Your Water Bill Is Rising Much Faster Than Inflation," 15 Mar. 2018 There is also evidence that the Atlantic circulation is weakening again, although scientists certainly do not think a total shutoff is imminent, and are still debating the causes of what is being observed. — Christopher Mooney, BostonGlobe.com, "Scientists may have solved a huge riddle that led to more than 1,000 years of cold on Earth. It doesn’t bode well," 12 July 2018 Some exceptions Hand watering with a spray nozzle that has an automatic shutoff valve is always allowed. — Mark Skoneki, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Why do Central Floridians water their lawns during rain storms? Let nature keep the grass green," 6 July 2018 Another round of shutoffs happened on Dec. 14 and 15, hitting 650 customers. — David R. Baker, SFChronicle.com, "For PG&E, cutting power could prevent fires and save lives — and costs," 23 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Water will be shut off to nearby homes Wednesday morning so a break at 74th Street and Bennett Avenue can be repaired. — Milwaukee, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Water mains pop in West Allis as temperatures careen from subzero to above average," 10 Jan. 2018 Once the water was shut off, PennDOT crews salted and plowed the roadway before reopening it, Rudolph said. — Stephanie Farr, Philly.com, "Crisis averted: Vine Street Expressway reopened after water main break," 7 Jan. 2018 In response, Grande shut off her Instagram comments due to the torrent of abuse aimed at her. — Krystin Arneson, Glamour, "Ariana Grande Just Posted a Tribute to Ex-Boyfriend Mac Miller Following His Death," 8 Sep. 2018 In those cases, officials shut off individual water sources, rather than all of the schools' drinking water. — Beth Mole, Ars Technica, "Lead in US school water “disturbing”—Detroit just shut off all fountains," 31 Aug. 2018 There’s cylinder deactivation, in which half the engine's cylinders shut off when less power is needed, saving gas. — Matthew Jancer, Popular Mechanics, "Why GM Finally Let Cadillac Build an All-New Twin-Turbo V8," 28 Aug. 2018 To tune out, shut off your phone, sit in your backyard, and take in your view. — Sarah Richards, Woman's Day, "Quiet Your Mind in Anxious Times With These Expert Tricks," 14 Aug. 2018 Beer taps are shut off by the seventh inning in some parks. — Ray Glier, USA TODAY, "Minor league baseball's extra-inning measure proves hard on pitchers," 30 May 2018 Assange has been unable to communicate with the outside world since the end of March, when his internet access was shut off. — Jacob Kastrenakes, The Verge, "WikiLeaks has a new editor-in-chief because Julian Assange has no internet access," 27 Sep. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'shutoff.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.