shut out

1. Exclude, deny entry to, block, as in Anyone convicted of a crime is shut out from the legal profession , or These curtains shut out all the light . [Late 1300s]

2. Prevent an opponent from scoring, as in They were shut out of the last two games , or Reagan shut out Ford in the Texas primary in 1976. Originating in baseball about 1880, this usage was later transferred to other sports and then even broader usage.

Example Sentences

It was the first time in Underwood’s career that she was shut out of the CMA Awards nominations, and the “American Idol” alum was not listed among the performers ahead of Wednesday’s show.

From Los Angeles Times

"Our voices are often shut out of the COP29 negotiating rooms. Which means we will get outcomes that don’t reflect the lived realities of women in climate-hit areas," she said.

From BBC

This sense of competition and the tendency to discredit and shut out other women might be a feature in Hollywood and not a bug, Sweeney said.

From Los Angeles Times

United have shut out their opponents on five occasions this term, with only Liverpool bettering them with six.

From BBC

Memorable moment: Sandy Koufax comes back on two days’ rest to shut out the Twins in Game 7.

From Los Angeles Times