shutoff

or shut-off

[ shuht-awf, -of ]

noun

1. an object or device that shuts (something) off:

   the automatic shutoff on a heater.

2. an act or instance of shutting off something, as an opening, a flow, or a service:

   a shutoff of electric power due to unpaid bills.

Word History and Origins

Origin of shutoff¹

First recorded in 1865–70; noun use of verb phrase shut off

Example Sentences

California officials have joined a legal effort to restore water to the Kern River after an abrupt shutoff of water dried up the river and killed thousands of fish in Bakersfield.

From Los Angeles Times

A sudden shutoff of water supplies has dried up the Kern River in Bakersfield, leaving thousands of dead fish on the parched riverbed.

From Los Angeles Times

California also adopted stricter requirements for oil pipelines, including more frequent inspections and automatic shutoff valves to quickly halt oil flow in the event of a rupture.

From Los Angeles Times

Before the pandemic, the shutoff threshold for any delinquent account was $50.

From Los Angeles Times

Before the pandemic, the shutoff threshold for any delinquent account was $50.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• faucet
• pipe
• spigot