›[T]COMMERCE, PRODUCTION, GOVERNMENTif a supply or process is shut off or someone shuts it off, it stops: The committee has the power to shut off funds for the second phase of the prison construction.We certainly don't want to shut off new ideas.
›[I or T]IT, PRODUCTIONif a computer or other machine is shut off or someone shuts it off, it stops working: When you are waiting in line in your car, shut the engine off.It looked as if the computer had shut off in the middle of the calculation.
›[I or T]PRODUCTIONif electricity, gas, etc. shuts off, or someone shuts it off, it stops being supplied: The national power company shut off electricity in hopes of preventing fires.Power shut off in several neighborhoods last night after the storm.