shutoff: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, Technical/Mechanical
Quick answer
What does “shutoff” mean?
A device, valve, or mechanism used to stop the flow of something (like water, gas, or electricity).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device, valve, or mechanism used to stop the flow of something (like water, gas, or electricity).
The act of stopping or disconnecting something; a cessation or stoppage of operation or flow. Can also refer to a point of disconnection.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the noun 'shutoff' (often hyphenated as 'shut-off' in UK English). The concept is identical, but the phrasal verb 'shut off' is more common in American English for utilities; British English may slightly prefer 'turn off' or 'cut off'.
Connotations
In both, it carries a practical, mechanical connotation. In American English, it's a standard term in household and industrial contexts.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English, particularly in compound forms (e.g., 'shutoff valve'). The hyphenated form 'shut-off' is more common in UK published writing.
Grammar
How to Use “shutoff” in a Sentence
[noun] shutoffshutoff of [noun]shutoff for [noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shutoff” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- You must shut off the mains before repairing the tap.
- The system will shut off automatically if it overheats.
American English
- Did you shut off the gas before you left?
- The valve shuts off the water supply to the house.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as 'shutoff' is not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as 'shutoff' is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Locate the shut-off valve near the boiler.
- The automatic shut-off feature is a required safety standard.
American English
- The shutoff valve is behind the washing machine.
- Check the pilot light after a gas shutoff procedure.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the discontinuation of services, e.g., 'The utility company threatened a service shutoff for non-payment.'
Academic
Rare. Might appear in engineering or physics texts describing safety mechanisms.
Everyday
Common in household contexts: 'I can't find the water shutoff under the sink.'
Technical
Frequent in plumbing, electrical engineering, and mechanical systems to describe a safety or control device.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “shutoff”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “shutoff”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shutoff”
- Using 'shutoff' as a verb (incorrect: 'You need to shutoff the water.' Correct: 'You need to shut off the water.'). Confusing it with 'shutdown' (which is for systems/computers, not fluid/gas flow).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a noun or adjective, it is one word (often hyphenated: shut-off). As a verb, it is always two words: 'shut off'.
'Shutoff' typically refers to stopping the flow of a substance (water, gas). 'Shutdown' refers to stopping the operation of a system, machine, computer, or organisation.
No. The verb form is the phrasal verb 'shut off' (two words). 'Shutoff' is a noun or adjective.
It is standard but leans towards informal and technical registers. In very formal writing, alternatives like 'disconnection', 'isolation valve', or 'cessation' might be preferred depending on context.
A device, valve, or mechanism used to stop the flow of something (like water, gas, or electricity).
Shutoff: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃʌtɒf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃʌtˌɔf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The bank pulled the shutoff valve on their credit.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SHUT + OFF. Imagine a valve you turn to SHUT the flow OFF.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTROL IS A VALVE / STOPPING IS CLOSING A GATE.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'shutoff' used correctly as a noun?