Phrasal verb
close off
Definition
phrasal verb. to block an entrance or a path so that people cannot enter or pass through.
phrasal verb. to obstruct or seal an entrance, thoroughfare, or area to prevent access; often used in the context of physical barriers or police cordons.
Examples
“The police had to close off the street after the accident.”
“They are closing off the main square this weekend to set up the Christmas market.”
“Authorities decided to close off the entire coastal road due to the imminent threat of a landslide following the heavy rains.”
Examples
simple
“The police had to close off the street after the accident.”
contextual
“They are closing off the main square this weekend to set up the Christmas market.”
complex
“Authorities decided to close off the entire coastal road due to the imminent threat of a landslide following the heavy rains.”
Usage
usually takes a physical space, such as a road, room, or area, as its object.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'close' (simply shutting a door) and 'block' (which might be accidental); 'close off' implies a deliberate action to stop all traffic or entry.
Pitfall
The road was closed of for the race.
The road was closed off for the race.
the particle 'off' requires a double 'f'; 'of' is a preposition with a different function.
Phrasal verb
Particles
off
Separability
optional
Pattern
close + (object) + off
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/close-off