shutoff
shutoff Lexical Profile
shutoff Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A stoppage, interruption, or termination of a utility, supply, flow, or machine operation.
"The utility company issued a final notice warning of an impending water shutoff if the overdue balance was not paid."
A valve, switch, or other mechanical device that stops the flow of a fluid or electric current.
"Before repairing the leaking pipe, the plumber located the main water shutoff in the basement."
• adjective
Designed or functioning to stop the flow of a liquid, gas, or electrical current, or to halt the operation of a machine.
"All new space heaters must be equipped with an automatic shutoff switch in case they tip over."
Word Nuance & Usage
The closed compound 'shutoff' is used as a noun or attributive modifier (as in 'shutoff valve'), whereas the two-word form 'shut off' is used as a phrasal verb (as in 'please shut off the water').