Wall off Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To physically or figuratively separate something or someone by building a wall or barrier around them. It is used both for literal walls and for emotional or social separation.
Usage & Nuances
Informal, often used for both concrete and abstract separation. Common with 'area', 'space', or 'emotionally'. 'Wall off' suggests complete separation, not just a partial barrier. Often interchangeable with 'shut off' in physical contexts, but 'wall off' more strongly implies a solid, lasting barrier.
Example Sentences
They walled off part of the room to make an office.
basic
The city built a barrier to wall off the construction site.
basic
She tried to wall off her feelings after the argument.
basic
After the flood, they had to wall off the damaged section of the house.
natural
Sometimes you need to wall off distractions to focus on work.
natural
He tends to wall off when something worries him, so it’s hard to reach him.
natural