cut off - Definition & Meaning

cut off

Third Person

cuts off

Present Participle

cutting off

Past Tense

cut off

Past Participle

cut off

to use a sharp object like scissors or a knife on something to remove a piece from its edge or ends

transitive

Before assembling the model, he used a hobby knife to cut off the excess plastic from the parts.
The sculptor carefully cut off excess clay to shape the figurine according to the design.
She carefully cut off a piece of fabric to make a patch for the torn shirt.
In order to fit the shelf into the corner, he had to cut off a small portion from one side.

Synonyms:

lop off chop off

to remove a part of the body, tissue, or organ through a surgical intervention

transitive

The dental surgeon had to cut off the decayed tooth to prevent the spread of infection to adjacent teeth.
In cases of extreme frostbite, amputation may be necessary to cut off the frost-damaged extremity.
To address the tumor, the oncology team opted to cut off the tumor mass through a precise surgical procedure.
The surgeon had to cut off the damaged portion of the patient's intestine to prevent further complications.

Synonyms:

amputate

to abruptly stop speaking or interrupt someone in the middle of their speech

transitive

Sarah was about to reveal the surprise, but I cut her off before she could spoil it.
The professor cut off the student who was going off-topic during the lecture.
I tried to explain my viewpoint, but I was cut off by the loud noise outside.
The speaker was cut off by the moderator when they exceeded their allotted time.
They cut him off to avoid discussing the controversial topic.

Synonyms:

disrupt break up interrupt

to stop providing a specific resource

transitive

The mayor announced plans to cut off funding for the controversial project.
The overdue payments led the utility company to cut off electricity to the delinquent customer.
The drought conditions forced authorities to cut off water supply to conserve resources.

Synonyms:

cut

to end a phone call while the other person is still on the line

transitive

In the middle of discussing plans, Tom's boss had to cut off the call unexpectedly for an urgent meeting.
Due to a poor signal, Amanda had to cut off the call with her colleague in the middle of their conversation.
Mike realized he dialed the wrong number, so he quickly cut off the call to avoid any awkwardness.
Emily's battery was about to die, so she had to cut off the call with her parents to preserve the remaining charge.
She was just starting to speak when the call was cut off.

to cease serving alcoholic drinks to an individual

transitive

Signs of slurred speech and unsteady movements prompted the bartender to cut off the patron to ensure their safety.
The responsible bartender chose to cut off the visibly intoxicated customer, offering water and assistance instead.
It's essential for establishments to have a policy in place to cut off patrons who exhibit unsafe levels of alcohol consumption.
The bartender had to cut off the customer after noticing signs of severe intoxication.

Synonyms:

cut out

to become separated or isolated from something or someone, often by an obstacle or barrier

transitive

The bridge was cut off by the floodwaters.
The river cut off the village from the rest of the region.
The army cut off the enemy’s retreat by blocking the path.
The landslide cut off the caves from the outside world.
A fallen tree cut off access to the highway.

to exclude someone from getting one's possessions after death

transitive

In his will, he chose to cut off distant relatives and bequeath his estate to charitable organizations.
Facing family disputes, she decided to cut off certain members and distribute her assets to trusted friends.
To express his values, the artist decided to cut off family members who did not share his artistic vision.
In the absence of a will, the law may determine how to cut off potential heirs from the deceased person's estate.

to aggressively and dangerously drive one's vehicle in the path of a moving vehicle

transitive

The impatient driver decided to cut off the car in the next lane, forcing it to brake suddenly.
He narrowly avoided an accident when a truck unexpectedly cut him off on the highway.
The motorcyclist got frustrated when a car abruptly cut him off while changing lanes.
It's dangerous to cut off other drivers on the road; it can lead to accidents.
She honked her horn in frustration after being cut off by a speeding driver on the freeway.

to end a relationship, particularly a friendly one

transitive

After a series of betrayals, she decided to cut off ties with her unreliable friend.
The disagreement over business decisions led the partners to cut off their professional relationship.
Realizing the toxicity of the friendship, he made the difficult decision to cut off his long-time buddy.
A history of broken promises and lies prompted her to cut off the friendship and move on.
All of his family and friends had completely cut him off.

to deny someone or something what they need or want

transitive

The strict diet plan required her to cut off certain foods to achieve her health goals.
In response to the misbehavior, the teacher threatened to cut off recess privileges for the unruly students.
The manager had to cut off additional overtime hours to prevent employee burnout.
The librarian warned that repeated late returns could lead to the library cutting off borrowing privileges.