Cut off: meaning, definitions and examples

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cut off

 

[ ˈkʌt ɒf ]

Phrasal verb / Noun
Context #1 | Phrasal verb

intransitive

To stop suddenly or forcefully. To interrupt or disconnect something. To ignore or exclude someone or something.

Synonyms

disconnect, interrupt, sever

Examples of usage

  • The power was cut off during the storm.
  • I accidentally cut off the call when I dropped my phone.
  • He felt cut off from his friends after moving to a new city.
Context #2 | Phrasal verb

transitive

To remove or detach by cutting. To separate or divide into sections.

Synonyms

divide, remove, sever

Examples of usage

  • The tailor cut off the excess fabric.
  • Please cut off a piece of the cake for me.
  • She decided to cut off all ties with her toxic ex-boyfriend.
Context #3 | Noun

informal

A road or way that is closed or blocked, typically due to construction or an accident.

Synonyms

closure, detour, roadblock

Examples of usage

  • We had to take a detour because of a cut off on the main highway.
  • The cut off caused a traffic jam in the city center.

Translations

Translations of the word "cut off" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cortar

🇮🇳 काट देना

🇩🇪 abschneiden

🇮🇩 memotong

🇺🇦 відрізати

🇵🇱 odciąć

🇯🇵 切り取る (きりとる)

🇫🇷 couper

🇪🇸 cortar

🇹🇷 kesmek

🇰🇷 자르다

🇸🇦 قطع

🇨🇿 odříznout

🇸🇰 odrezať

🇨🇳 切断 (qiēduàn)

🇸🇮 odrezati

🇮🇸 skera af

🇰🇿 кесу

🇬🇪 მოჭრა

🇦🇿 kəsmək

🇲🇽 cortar

Etymology

The term 'cut off' originated in the 16th century, with 'cut' meaning 'to divide with a sharp instrument' and 'off' indicating a separation or disconnection. Over time, the phrase evolved to encompass various meanings related to interruption, detachment, and closure. Its usage expanded to include both literal and figurative contexts, reflecting the versatile nature of the verb. Today, 'cut off' remains a commonly used expression in everyday language, symbolizing abrupt endings and decisive actions.