Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To block or seal a passage, entrance, or opening, preventing movement or access.
   • To isolate or separate an area or a person from others.
   • To stop the flow or supply of something, such as a utility.

Usage

• The primary use is to describe the act of physically sealing an area or stopping a flow. It often implies a deliberate action to create a barrier or cessation.
• It can be used in both literal (physical blocking) and more figurative (social or economic isolation) contexts, though the physical sense is more common.

Examples

• Literal (Blocking a passage):
  • The police decided to close off the street after the accident.
  • They used barriers to close off the construction site.
• Literal (Stopping a flow):
  • Remember to close off the main water valve before repairing the pipe.
  • The technician closed off the gas line for safety.
• Figurative (Isolating):
  • Living in the remote village closed her off from modern cultural trends.
  • His stubborn attitude closed him off from valuable feedback.

Advanced Usage

• In Economic/Political Contexts: Can describe imposing sanctions or barriers.
  • The sanctions effectively closed off the country from international financial markets.
• In Emotional Contexts: Describes becoming emotionally unavailable.
  • After the betrayal, he closed himself off to new relationships.

Variants and Related Words

• Shut off: A very close synonym, often used interchangeably with "close off," especially regarding stopping flow or isolating.
  • Shut off the engine.
• Seal off: Emphasizes making an area airtight or completely inaccessible, often for containment.
  • Health officials sealed off the contaminated zone.
• Block off: Similar to "close off," focusing on obstruction.
  • They blocked off the old tunnel.

Synonyms

• Block: To obstruct a passage.
• Barricade: To block with a barrier, especially for defense.
• Isolate: To set apart from others.
• Disconnect: To break a connection, often for utilities.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Close down: To stop operating a business permanently.
  • The factory closed down last year.
• Close in on: To surround and approach nearer.
  • The police closed in on the suspect's hideout.

Related Idioms

• Close ranks: To unite closely, especially for defense, thereby excluding others.
  • The team closed ranks to protect their manager from criticism.
• Behind closed doors: Happening in private, not publicly.
  • The negotiations took place behind closed doors.

Verb

1. block off the passage through
   • We shut off the valve
2. isolate or separate
   • She was shut off from the friends
3. stem the flow of
   • shut off the gas when you leave for a vacation