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shut off

A2 neutral separable both
In simple words

To stop something working or flowing, like water or gas, by closing a switch or valve.

Literal meaning: To shut (close) the flow off — transparent.

Meanings

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."

Grammar: separable
2 A2 neutral

To stop a machine or engine from running.

"She shut off the engine and sat quietly in the parked car."

Grammar: 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."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

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.'

Commonly used with

water gas engine electricity supply emotions

Forms

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

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