cut-off
UK: ˈkʌtɒf | US: ˈkʌtɔːf
n. 1. A point or limit at which something is stopped or interrupted.
n. 2. A shortcut or alternative route.
adj. 1. Designating a point where something is terminated or discontinued.
The word "cut-off" is a compound formed by combining "cut" (from Old English cyttan, meaning "to divide or sever") and "off" (from Old English of, meaning "away from"). The term emerged in the 17th century, originally describing physical interruptions like diverted waterways or discontinued paths. Over time, it expanded metaphorically to represent any termination point or boundary. The logic is straightforward: "cut" implies separation, and "off" reinforces the idea of cessation or removal.
The factory imposed a strict cut-off time for submitting orders.
We took a cut-off through the woods to save time.
The river’s cut-off created a new oxbow lake.
The age cut-off for the competition is 18 years.
The power cut-off lasted for several hours.