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

The base automatically shuts off if no movement is sensed after 10 minutes, so there’s no fear of inadvertently leaving it on. — Sarah Bogdan, Good Housekeeping, "5 Best Cordless Irons to Buy in 2019, According to Cleaning Experts," 15 Feb. 2019 To make matters worse, the suit states, the alarm system designed to alert staff when water was shut off was providing a false reading — wrongly signaling that the water was flowing and available. — Craig R. Mccoy, Philly.com, "Lawsuit alleges 'agonizing and lonely deaths' in Barclay Friends fire," 15 June 2018 Experts also explained different survival techniques such as preparing a food and medical kit and how to properly dispose of sanitary waste if the water gets shut off. — Patricia Dillon, Houston Chronicle, "Emergency Preparedness Fair offers advice for emergency situations," 19 May 2018 The electricity had been shut off in the house for several years, according to neighbors and family members. — Christina Tkacik, baltimoresun.com, "Man dies after West Baltimore house fire," 3 Apr. 2018 The restaurant was forced to close, and its air-conditioning was shut off for five days after a July 19 steam-pipe explosion forced the evacuation of 49 buildings in the area. — Kate King, WSJ, "Flatiron District Gets Back to Business After Steam-Pipe Explosion," 29 July 2018 Between the heat and the lack of oxygen, Daniels died just a few hours after the power was shut off. — Renae Reints, Fortune, "A Grandmother Who Relied on Oxygen Machine Died After Utility Shut Her Power Off," 10 July 2018 Phillips said workers were in the neighborhood Wednesday for a road paving project, and that water service was shut off for a time. — Chelsea Prince, ajc, "DeKalb water main fixed after earlier break cut service for dozens," 28 June 2018 Southern Star spokesman Rob Southard said that the pipeline was shut off, with the fire burning up what was left. — Thomas Leavy, CBS News, "Natural gas pipeline explosion rocks rural Kansas," 15 June 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.