close off

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Meaning · English

To seal or block the entrance to a road, an area, or a building so that people cannot enter.

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

The police closed off the street while they investigated the murder scene.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “close off” mean?

To seal or block the entrance to a road, an area, or a building so that people cannot enter.

Is “close off” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.