shut out

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

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To prevent from entering; to block or exclude.

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

His wife shut him out of his own house.

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).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To hide from sight.

Sources & notes

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

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To refuse to be open and vulnerable toward.

Sources & notes

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

Common questions

What does “shut out” mean?

To prevent from entering; to block or exclude.

Is “shut out” formal or informal?

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