1
: something (such as a valve) that shuts off
2
shut off; shutting off; shuts off
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
: to cease operating : stop
shuts off automatically
Synonyms
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
Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Jan. 2025
More than 15,000 people in Malibu, from Brentwood Country Club to Pepperdine University, face gas shutoffs, county Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath said in the morning news conference.
—Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Jan. 2025
Marcus D. Smith, Sacramento Bee, 2 Jan. 2025
Dry spells could shut off the precipitation, experts noted Thursday.
—Paul Rogers, The Mercury News, 2 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for shutoff 
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Noun
Utilities in California often employ what are called public safety power shutoffs in order to reduce the risk of high winds causing power lines to fall to dry ground, potentially igniting a wildfire.
—Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Jan. 2025
More than 15,000 people in Malibu, from Brentwood Country Club to Pepperdine University, face gas shutoffs, county Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath said in the morning news conference.
—Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Jan. 2025
Verb
Authorities at the original scene learned the suspects entered the main electrical cabinet of the building and turned off the main breaker, shutting off power to the ATM, Galt police said.
—Marcus D. Smith, Sacramento Bee, 2 Jan. 2025
Dry spells could shut off the precipitation, experts noted Thursday.
—Paul Rogers, The Mercury News, 2 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for shutoff
Dictionary Entries Near shutoff
Cite this Entry
“Shutoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shutoff. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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 verbˌshət-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
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