WordLens

cut off

1 of 1verb
/ˈkʌt ɔf/
Forms:cuts off,cutting off,cut off,cut off
1

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 offchop off
2

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
3

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:
disruptbreak upinterrupt
4

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
5

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

B2transitive
  • 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.
6

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
7

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.
8

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.
9

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.
10

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.
11

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.