Synonyms of shutoffnext
1
: something (such as a valve) that shuts off
2

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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
While some states prohibit shutoffs throughout the hot summer months, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, which regulates utilities in the state, allows them, so long as the heat index is under 101 degrees. Scott Horsley, NPR, 26 Aug. 2026 Scott Johnson, the principal manager of media relations, said a public safety power shutoff, or PSPS, is when the power is temporarily turned off to help reduce the risk of wildfire. Chelsea Hylton, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
The company says the feature will detect officers’ abnormal search activity and shut off their access until an agency administrator can review it. Kenny Jacoby, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 In people with this gene mutation — which experts say applies to about 1 in 250 people in the United States — one or both copies of ANGPTL3 is shut off. Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shutoff

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1847, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1818, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shutoff was in 1818

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shutoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shutoff. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

shutoff

1 of 2 noun
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!