close off
B2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
To make it impossible to enter a place or to use a particular option.
Literal meaning: To close ('close') and separate ('off') an area or possibility from access.
Meanings
1 B1 neutral
To physically block access to an area or space.
"The authorities closed off several streets in the city centre for the parade."
Grammar: separable
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To eliminate an option, possibility, or avenue of action.
"Accepting that job would close off any chance of returning to academic research."
Grammar: separable
3 B2
idiomatic
informal
To stop engaging emotionally or conversationally; to shut oneself off.
"Whenever the argument got too heated, he would close off and refuse to speak."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Used for physical areas (roads, rooms) and figuratively for options, discussions, or emotional states. Common in both official/administrative and everyday language.
Commonly used with
road area option route discussion room
Forms
Base
close off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
closes off
he/she/it
Past simple
closed off
yesterday
Past participle
closed off
have + pp
-ing form
closing off
continuous
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