cut off
Short definition: The phrase cut off means to stop the supply of something, such as water, money, or communication, or to interrupt someone suddenly, often creating separation or preventing further connection.
Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the phrasal verb cut off? This is a very common expression in English and it has several everyday meanings. It can refer to removing something by cutting, interrupting someone, stopping a supply, or even isolating a person or place. Because it appears in both physical and emotional contexts, the meaning depends strongly on the situation. Below are detailed meanings with realistic examples so you can clearly understand how cut off works in daily English.
Forms: cut off, cuts off, cut off, cutting off
Related: interrupt v., disconnect v., isolate v., remove v.
Syllable: cut-off
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(Verb) To remove something by cutting it away from the rest.
To cut off something most literally means removing it by cutting it away from a larger part. It is often used when talking about hair, fabric, branches, or any physical object that is separated using a cutting tool.
She decided to cut off her long hair and try a shorter style.He carefully cut off the damaged branch from the tree.They had to cut off the torn section of the rope.Synonyms: remove, slice off, chop off, trim off, sever, detach, lop off, snip off, carve off, divide, separate, clip away
Antonyms: attach, connect, join, fasten, combine, merge, add on, sew together, glue on, unite, link, bind -
(Verb) To interrupt someone while they are speaking.
Cut off can also mean interrupting someone mid-sentence, usually before they finish what they were saying. It often suggests impatience or abrupt behavior.
He cut her off before she could explain the situation.Please don’t cut me off while I’m trying to speak.The host accidentally cut off the guest during the live show.Synonyms: interrupt, talk over, interject, break in, stop mid-sentence, silence, speak over, override, disrupt, cut short, halt speech, jump in
Antonyms: listen fully, let finish, allow to speak, hear out, wait patiently, stay silent, give the floor, permit completion, encourage speaking, remain attentive, respect turn, hold back -
(Verb) To stop supplying something such as electricity, water, or money.
In another meaning, cut off refers to stopping the supply of something that people depend on, such as power, communication, or financial support. It often suggests a deliberate decision.
The company threatened to cut off electricity for unpaid bills.His parents cut him off financially after he moved out.The storm cut off internet access in the area.Synonyms: disconnect, shut off, terminate supply, stop providing, block access, withdraw support, suspend service, sever connection, halt distribution, deny access, end funding, shut down
Antonyms: supply, provide, restore, reconnect, resume service, continue support, fund, maintain supply, allow access, power on, enable, keep flowing -
(Verb) To isolate someone or something from others.
Cut off can also mean isolating a person or place, preventing communication or contact. It often carries an emotional or serious tone.
The village was completely cut off by heavy snowfall.He felt cut off from his friends after moving abroad.She decided to cut off contact with toxic people.Synonyms: isolate, separate, detach, block off, seal off, distance, exclude, shut out, quarantine, remove contact, break off communication, keep apart
Antonyms: connect, include, reunite, rejoin, integrate, link, open access, restore contact, communicate, bring together, unite, reconnect