1 A2 neutral
To stop the flow of water, gas, electricity, or another supply.
"The plumber shut off the water supply before beginning the repairs."
separable
shut off
A2 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To stop the flow or supply of something by closing a valve or switch; to isolate oneself or something from outside contact.
In plain English
To stop something working or flowing, like water or gas, by closing a switch or valve.
What does "shut off" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To stop a machine or engine from running.
"She shut off the engine and sat quietly in the parked car."
separable
3 B1 idiomatic neutral
To separate or isolate a place or person from outside contact.
"Growing up in the countryside, she had felt shut off from the opportunities available in the city."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To shut (close) the flow off — transparent.
Actually means
To stop something working or flowing, like water or gas, by closing a switch or valve.
Usage tip
Very common for utilities: water, gas, electricity ('shut off the water'). Also used for engines and devices. Figurative sense: to shut oneself off emotionally from others. Can be intransitive: 'The machine shuts off automatically.'
Words that pair with "shut off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
water gas engine electricity supply emotions
How to conjugate "shut off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
shut off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
shuts off
he/she/it
Past simple
shut off
yesterday
Past participle
shut off
have + pp
-ing form
shutting off
continuous
Hear "shut off" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "shut off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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