Cut off: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when referring to stopping something abruptly or preventing someone from continuing an action, often used in both physical and conversational contexts.

• During the storm, the power was cut off for several hours.
• She was cut off in the middle of her presentation by a rude comment.

Similar to the previous entry, this also includes financial or resource-based disconnection.

• His parents decided to cut him off financially when he refused to get a job.
• The company was cut off from its main supplier.

This word is used when something is taken away or eliminated from a place or a situation. It is often neutral but depends on the context.

• Please remove your shoes before entering the house.
• The manager decided to remove the outdated policy.

This word is usually used in more formal or serious situations where something is completely cut off or broken, especially relationships or connections. It has a more intense or negative connotation.

• He decided to sever all ties with his former business partners.
• The accident severed the connection between the two towns.

This word is best used when splitting something into separate parts or sections. It can apply to physical objects as well as abstract concepts like opinions or territories.

• The teacher asked the students to divide into groups of four.
• The issue of climate change divides public opinion.

Used to describe a situation where access or communication has been interrupted or halted abruptly. Can also be used to describe when someone is stopped from continuing their path, either literally or metaphorically.

• 1
• During the storm, the village was cut off from the rest of the world
• 2
• The power supply was cut off due to non-payment of bills
• 3
• She was cut off in the middle of her speech

Literally refers to a physical barrier on the road which prevents passage. Metaphorically, it can describe an obstacle that hinders progress or development.

• 1
• The police set up a roadblock to catch the escaping prisoners
• 2
• The project faced a significant roadblock due to budget constraints
• 3
• Roadblocks were placed to prevent cars from entering the flooded area

Used when referring to an alternative route taken to avoid a roadblock or other obstacle. It can also be used metaphorically to describe an indirect way of approaching an objective.

• 1
• Due to the construction, we had to take a detour through the countryside
• 2
• His career took a detour into teaching before he became a writer
• 3
• Signs indicated a detour around the closed bridge

Refers to the shutting down or ending of an operation, event, or process. Often used in the context of businesses, events, or roads. It can also mean the psychological acceptance of an ending, giving a sense of resolution.

• 1
• The factory announced its closure at the end of the month
• 2
• The road closure caused heavy traffic
• 3
• After the trial, the victims' families finally felt some closure