Meaning of the word "cut off" in English

What does "cut off" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

cut off

US /kʌt ˈɔːf/

UK /kʌt ɒf/

to separate something by cutting it from the main part

Example:

•

The surgeon had to cut off the gangrenous limb.

•

She accidentally cut off a piece of her hair while styling it.

Synonym:

sever amputate detach truncate lop off

to interrupt someone who is speaking

Example:

•

Please don't cut me off when I'm trying to explain.

•

He kept trying to cut her off, but she continued speaking.

Synonym:

interrupt interject break in butt in silence

to stop the supply of something

Example:

•

The storm cut off our electricity for hours.

•

They threatened to cut off their funding if the project didn't show progress.

Synonym:

disconnect shut off discontinue terminate halt

to isolate someone or something

Example:

•

The heavy snow cut off the village from the rest of the world.

•

He felt completely cut off from his friends after moving to a new city.

Synonym:

isolate segregate quarantine disconnect estrange

to prevent someone from passing or continuing along a road or path

Example:

•

The police cut off the escape route.

•

The landslide cut off access to the remote village.

Synonym:

block obstruct barricade seal off impede