cut off from — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 different jobs. Tap a meaning to jump to it — then lock each one in by saying it out loud.

phrasal verb2 meanings

1 to be separated from something or someoneTo be unable to reach or connect with people, places, or things, often because something is blocking or stopping you.
2 emotionally isolatedTo feel or be made to feel emotionally isolated or deprived of support, connection, or belonging, especially within a group, family, or community.

Spot the meaning

Which one is it?

Read the sentence, then pick the meaning that's in play.

All meanings, in depth

Ordered by how often you'll hear each one — the meaning tells you what it does, the examples and tips show it in use.

to be separated from something or someone

B1be/get cut off from sthMost common

To be unable to reach or connect with people, places, or things, often because something is blocking or stopping you.

After the storm, the village was completely cut off from the rest of the country.

A: Why haven't you called your parents lately?
B: My phone broke, so I've been cut off from everyone for days.

If I lost internet access, I would feel cut off from my friends and all the news.

Common mistake

✗We were cut off to the outside world.

✓We were cut off from the outside world.

It's 'cut off FROM' something/someone — not 'to'.

Tell it apart

The town was cut off from the rest of the country.

physically unreachable

He feels cut off from his old friends.

emotionally isolated

Use 'cut off from' when you want to say you can't contact or reach someone or something, often because of a problem or barrier.'Cut off' alone can mean to stop something suddenly (like 'cut off the water'), but 'cut off from' means you are separated or isolated.

Often paired with

cut off from + place/people

Practice saying this →

emotionally isolated

C1be/feel cut off from sth sth

To feel or be made to feel emotionally isolated or deprived of support, connection, or belonging, especially within a group, family, or community.

After moving to a new city, she felt completely cut off from her old friends and family.

A: I don't know why, but lately I've just felt so cut off from everyone at work.
B: Maybe you should talk to someone about it—it's tough feeling that way.

Many elderly people report feeling cut off from society, which can have a significant impact on their mental well-being.

Common mistake

✗I feel cut off of everyone here.

✓I feel cut off from everyone here.

Always 'cut off FROM', not 'of'.

Tell it apart

Working from home, I feel cut off from my colleagues.

emotionally isolated

The storm cut us off from the mainland.

physically separated

'Cut off from' in this sense is used to describe emotional or psychological isolation, not just physical separation. It is common in discussions about mental health, family dynamics, or social issues.Unlike the B1 sense, which refers to being physically separated or unable to access something, this sense is figurative and focuses on feelings of emotional distance or lack of support.

Often paired with

feel cut off from

Practice saying this →

Turn this into speaking practice

Practise one meaning at a time and save the ones you mix up for review.

to be separated from something or someone emotionally isolated