Definition of the word shut off

The origin of the phrase "shut off" can be traced back to the Old English word "cotan" which meant "to close" or "to fasten". This word evolved over time and was recorded as "sluthen" in Middle English, which meant "to stop" or "to obstruct". The modern spelling "shut off" is derived from the Middle English word "slutten", which was also used to mean "to close" or "to stop". The phrase "shut off" itself refers to the act of turning off a liquid or gas supply, such as water or electricity, and preventing it from flowing. The meaning of "shut off" has evolved over time to also refer to stopping something from continuing or preventing access to something, such as "shutting off" a constant stream of disinformation or "shutting off" access to a website. However, the root meaning of "shutting off" a flow of liquid or gas remains, highlighting the classic use of the phrase in plumbing and engineering contexts.