Stopping, blocking, or Resisting (Off): English Vocabulary List

to prevent entry or access by placing a barrier

"Block off the construction zone."

"The construction crew used orange barrels to block off the lane that was being repaired."

to restrict or block access to a particular area or passage

"Close off the unused room."

"The police had to close off the entire street to traffic while they investigated the serious accident."

to restrict access to a particular area by using a barrier

"They will cordon off."

"The authorities decided to cordon off the entire park after the discovery of a suspicious package."

to avoid entering or walking onto a specific area or surface

"Keep off the wet grass."

"Please keep off the grass because the ground is wet and the new seeds have not yet sprouted."

to stop a connection to an online account or computer system by doing specific actions

"Remember to log off after using the computer."

"Remember to log off from your computer at the end of the day to prevent unauthorized users from accessing your files."

to prevent a potential attacker from approaching by taking on a defensive posture

"The guard will stand off the thieves."

"The police officer had to stand off the angry crowd until more backup arrived at the scene."

to make something stop working usually by flipping a switch

"She switches off the lights now."

"Do not forget to switch off the computer before you leave the office to save energy and protect the equipment from power surges."

to resist or overcome a temptation, impulse, attack, etc.

"Fight off the cold."

"She tried to fight off the overwhelming urge to procrastinate on her assignments."

to begin a journey or depart from a place

"Head off now."

"We must head off early tomorrow morning to avoid the heavy traffic on the highway."

to resist defeat or unfavorable outcomes through defense or delay

"Hold off making a decision yet."

"The army managed to hold off the enemy attack until reinforcements could arrive to help defend the city."

to discontinue an activity

"Knock off the singing."

"The exhausted musician decided to knock off his practice session early for the evening."

to stop doing something

"Please lay off."

"After years of strenuous work, he decided to lay off and enjoy a well-deserved retirement."

to cause a machine, device, or system to stop working or flowing, usually by pressing a button or turning a switch

"Turn off the lights before leaving."

"Do not forget to turn off the stove after you finish cooking your dinner tonight."