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Shut out Meaning in English

expression

ˈʃət/ /ˈaʊt
SHUHT-owt
ʃˈʌt/ /ˈaʊt
shuht-OWT

Definition

To prevent someone or something from entering a place, joining a group, or participating. It can also mean to block someone emotionally or defensively, or in sports, to not allow the opponent to score.

Usage & Nuances

Common in both literal and figurative contexts: 'shut out of the room', 'shut out your feelings'. In sports, it refers to stopping an opponent from scoring. Often used to express emotional distance: 'She shut me out.' More formal alternatives: 'exclude', 'block', 'bar'.

Example Sentences

They shut out the cold by closing the window.

basic

He felt sad when his friends shut him out of the game.

basic

The team shut out their opponents and won 3-0.

basic

Sometimes people shut out their feelings to avoid getting hurt.

natural

I don't want to shut you out, so please tell me how you feel.

natural

After the argument, she completely shut him out for weeks.

natural