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

Call a Professional If the Valve Doesn’t Work While shutting off the water can be a simple DIY task, repairing a faulty shutoff valve isn’t. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 24 July 2026

Calvo had described the unpaid balances as both a financial and fairness issue, arguing the city could not aggressively enforce water shutoffs against residents while allowing large institutions to accumulate millions of dollars in overdue bills. — Verónica Egui Brito july 16, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026

Verb

The second test will be more ambitious, with the rocket launching to 10km, shutting off its engine, and then restarting to land on deployable legs. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 17 July 2026

Getting testosterone from a pill or gel shuts off the body’s natural process for making the hormone. — Matthew Perrone, Fortune, 16 July 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