Shut off — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb

Meaning & Definition of Shut off

Shut off (verb)

  1. to close off, separate —usually used with from
  2. to cut off (a flow or passage), stop
  3. to stop the operation of (something, such as a machine)

Shut off (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to bring (as an action or operation) to an immediate end

    "threatened to shut off peace talks if the other side kept making unreasonable demands"

    similar: break, break off, break up, can (slang), cease, cut off, cut out, desist (from), discontinue, drop, end, give over, halt, knock off, lay off, leave off, pack (up or in), quit, stop, have done with, put the kibosh on
    related: complete, conclude, finish, close (down), deactivate, block, blockade, dam, delay, detain, hinder, hold, hold back, impede, kibosh, obstruct, stem, call, suspend, arrest, brake, check, clamp down, rein (in), squash, squelch, stamp, stanch, stunt, suppress, turn back, pause, stay, abolish, abort, annul, demolish, destroy, dissolve, kill, ruin, scuttle, snuff
    near: carry on, continue, follow through (with), keep up, run on, advance, proceed, progress, actuate, drive, impel, propel, stir

  2. to cause to stop functioning

    "shut off the computer to save electricity"

    similar: deactivate, kill, turn off
    related: flick (off), dismantle, mothball, phase out, arrest, brake, chock, cut off, draw up, halt, jam, stall, stick
    opposite: activate, actuate, crank (up), drive, move, propel, run, set off, spark, start, touch off, trigger, turn on
    near: charge, electrify, energize, fire, fuel, generate, power, push, discharge, launch, release, switch, trip, reactivate, recharge

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Shut off

The most common words with a similar meaning to Shut off:

Slang: can
break, break off, break up, cease, cut off, cut out, desist (from), discontinue, drop, end, give over, halt, knock off, lay off, leave off, pack (up or in), quit, stop, deactivate, kill, turn off, have done with, put the kibosh on

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Shut off

Words with the opposite meaning of Shut off:

activate, actuate, crank (up), drive, move, propel, run, set off, spark, start, touch off, trigger, turn on

Related Words for Shut off

complete, conclude, finish, close (down), block, blockade, dam, delay, detain, hinder, hold, hold back, impede, kibosh, obstruct, stem, call, suspend, arrest, brake, check, clamp down, rein (in), squash, squelch, stamp, stanch, stunt, suppress, turn back

Near Antonyms of Shut off

carry on, continue, follow through (with), keep up, run on, advance, proceed, progress, impel, stir, charge, electrify, energize, fire, fuel, generate, power, push, discharge, launch, release, switch, trip, reactivate, recharge

Word Forms of Shut off

Inflections: shutting off, shuts off

Origin & Etymology of Shut off

First known use: 1818t

Words & Phrases Containing Shut off

shut off from

Frequently Asked Questions about Shut off

What does "Shut off" mean?

"Shut off" means to close off, separate —usually used with from. As a verb, it is defined as: to close off, separate —usually used with from. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Shut off"?

Other words for "Shut off" include break, break off, break up, can, cease, cut off, cut out and desist (from). The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Shut off" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Shut off"?

There are 74 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Shut off". Common alternatives include break, break off, break up, can, cease, cut off, cut out, desist (from), discontinue and drop.

What is the opposite of "Shut off"?

Antonyms of "Shut off" include activate, actuate, crank (up), drive, move, propel, run and set off. Near antonyms include carry on, continue, follow through (with) and keep up.

How do you use "Shut off" in a sentence?

Examples of "Shut off" in a sentence: "threatened to shut off peace talks if the other side kept making unreasonable demands"; "shut off the computer to save electricity".

Is "Shut off" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Shut off" is a verb.

What is the origin of the word "Shut off"?

First known use: 1818t.

What is another word for "Shut off" meaning "to bring (as an action or operation) to an immediate end"?

When "Shut off" (verb) means to bring (as an action or operation) to an immediate end, synonyms include break, break off, break up, can, cease and cut off.