shut off
commonDefinition
Meaning
To stop the operation or flow of something, such as a machine or supply.
To isolate or disconnect; to become closed off or inaccessible, often used figuratively for emotions or communication.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a phrasal verb; can be used transitively or intransitively; often associated with utilities, engines, or emotional states.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal; both dialects use it similarly, but British English may occasionally prefer 'switch off' for electrical devices.
Connotations
Neutral, implying intentional stopping or disconnection; can sometimes suggest abruptness.
Frequency
Equally common in both British and American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
transitive: shut off [object]intransitive: [subject] shuts offVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “shut off from the world”
- “shut off one's feelings”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Shut off unnecessary services to optimize operational costs.
Academic
The procedure requires the main valve to be shut off during experiments.
Everyday
Can you shut off the television before bed?
Technical
Ensure the shut-off mechanism is engaged before maintenance.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He shut off the tap to save water.
- The system will shut off automatically if overheated.
American English
- She shut off the faucet after brushing her teeth.
- The engine shuts off when idle to reduce emissions.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The shut-off valve is under the sink.
- Install a shut-off device for safety.
American English
- The shut-off switch is on the wall.
- Check the shut-off point before starting.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Shut off the light when you leave.
- Please shut off the music.
- Before going on holiday, shut off the main water supply.
- The heater shuts off when the room is warm.
- To prevent accidents, always shut off the power before electrical work.
- The company decided to shut off non-essential services during the crisis.
- Advanced sensors allow the irrigation system to shut off during rainfall, conserving water.
- He emotionally shut off after the traumatic event, affecting his relationships.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine shutting a door to turn something off, linking 'shut' with closure and 'off' with cessation.
Conceptual Metaphor
Stopping flow as closing a door or valve; isolation as being walled off.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation as 'закрыть выключить'; use 'выключить' for machines, 'перекрыть' for supplies, and 'отключиться' for emotional disconnection.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'shut off' with 'shut down'; 'shut down' implies complete cessation of operation, while 'shut off' can be temporary or partial.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'shut off'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In most contexts, yes, but 'shut off' can imply a more complete or permanent stop, especially for utilities or engines.
Yes, for example, 'The engine shut off unexpectedly,' where no object is specified.
The adjective form is 'shut-off', often hyphenated, as in 'shut-off valve' to describe something that stops flow.
'Shut off' typically refers to stopping operation or flow, while 'cut off' often implies severing a connection or supply, sometimes abruptly.