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

shut off; shutting off; shuts off

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

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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 shutoffs, which PG&E has already begun to implement, are not without controversy given their disruptive nature and potential impact on disabled people and others with vulnerable health conditions. — J.d. Morris, SFChronicle.com, "PG&E made big plans to reduce wildfire risk. Here’s its progress so far," 14 July 2019 The second death last summer was only disclosed after news of the other, which prompted the commission to place a moratorium on electric utility shutoffs through Oct. 15. — Ryan Randazzo, azcentral, "Regulators close complaint against APS, leave utility rates unchanged for now," 10 July 2019 Auto shutoffs have been used by some carmakers since 2012 on keyless ignition vehicles. — orlandosentinel.com, "His keyless car killed him while he slept. New legislation could save others.," 1 July 2019 Auto shutoffs have been used by some carmakers since 2012 on keyless ignition vehicles. — Jamie L. Lareau, Detroit Free Press, "His keyless car killed him while he slept. New legislation could save others," 14 June 2019 Spokesman Scott Harelson said Friday the average shutoff last two hours. — Ryan Randazzo, azcentral, "After heat-related death, Attorney General Mark Brnovich says Arizona needs power shutoff law," 14 June 2019 The potential shutoffs, part of a program PG&E has dramatically expanded in the wake of the Camp Fire, could affect parts of Paradise, the utility said. — J.d. Morris, SFChronicle.com, "PG&E leaders tour Paradise in secrecy," 7 June 2019 Step 9: Connect the water supply line to the shutoff valve. — Candace Braun Davison, House Beautiful, "How to Install a Toilet," 9 Apr. 2019 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

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The gas valve that had been fueling the blaze had been shut off and the tank involved in the explosion isolated, officials said. — USA TODAY, "Mermaid Parade, Lincoln’s Bible, District 12: News from around our 50 states," 24 June 2019 By the time the pump was shut off, several thousands of gallons of oil had escaped, flowed into a nearby storm drain and then directly into the Willamette River, Bounds wrote. — oregonlive.com, "Union Pacific plant operator allowed thousands of gallons of oil to spill into Willamette River, feds say," 24 June 2019 Officers found the power had been shut off to the building and the direction of a surveillance camera had been altered to point upward. — cleveland.com, "Theft suspect takes more than oil change from Take 5: Mayfield Heights Police Blotter," 20 June 2019 The maintenance staff recently permanently shut off 10% of the building's fume hoods in order to keep the airflow going outward, said Geoff Hurtado, UWM's associate vice chancellor, facilities planning and management. — Devi Shastri, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "'The writing is on the wall': UWM officials cautiously optimistic for new chemistry building," 11 June 2019 Some 27,000 utility customers in Butte, Yuba, Nevada, El Dorado and Placer counties may have their power shut off beginning at 9 p.m. Saturday; peak fire risk there extends until 10 a.m. Sunday. — Steve Rubenstein, SFChronicle.com, "PG&E shuts down power in some North Bay areas amid red-flag fire warnings," 8 June 2019 To guard against such attacks, the researchers suggested, smartphone makers might consider installing a switch that would allow users to shut off the microphone. — Hamza Shaban, Washington Post, "Listen for the log-in: Hackers may glean your password by listening to how you type on your phone," 6 June 2019 The gas has been shut off and is no longer leaking, said Randy Fordice, Xcel Energy spokesman. — Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, "Green Line service in downtown St. Paul resumes after gas leak," 4 June 2019 Riley said his work affects only a tiny fraction of blood cells, while people in Nielsen's study with the higher death rate had CCR5 shut off in every cell of the body. — NBC News, "China's gene-edited twins may face risk of early death," 3 June 2019

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.