cut off

B1 · Intermediate

phr.v. to stop providing something like water, electricity, or money.

phr.v. to discontinue the provision or supply of a utility, service, or financial support.

“The company will cut off our electricity if we don't pay the bill.”

“The government threatened to cut off funding for the project if the milestones were not met by the end of the quarter.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

phr.v. to separate a person or place so they cannot communicate with others.

phr.v. to isolate a person, group, or geographical location from external contact or access.

“The heavy snow cut off the small village from the rest of the country.”

“After the scandal, he felt completely cut off from his former colleagues and friends.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

phr.v. to stop someone from finishing what they are saying.

phr.v. to interrupt a speaker abruptly, preventing them from completing a statement.

“I'm sorry to cut you off, but we are running out of time.”

“The moderator repeatedly cut off the candidates when they exceeded their allotted speaking time during the debate.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal

phr.v. to suddenly drive in front of another car in a dangerous way.

phr.v. to swerve abruptly into the path of another vehicle, forcing the other driver to brake or change course.

“That blue car cut me off without even using a turn signal.”

“Aggressive drivers who cut off others in heavy traffic are a primary cause of minor collisions on this highway.”

C1 · Advanced Dialect

phr.v. to turn off a light or a machine.

phr.v. to deactivate an electrical device or light source.

“Don't forget to cut off the lights before you go to bed.”

“The technician had to cut off the main power supply before repairing the faulty wiring.”