cordon off — to prevent access to an area by surrounding it with barriers or guards
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to prevent access to an area by surrounding it with barriers or guards
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈkɔːrdən ɔːf/
Example Sentences
- The chef cordoned off the kitchen after the great spaghetti explosion of 2023.
- Fire department cordoned off the street due to the gas leak.
- They cordoned off the playground when they found the mysterious giant rubber duck.
cordon off
VERB[/ˈkɔːrdən ɔːf/]
to prevent access to an area by surrounding it with barriers or guards
two police officers stretch bright yellow barrier tape between metal posts to block the sidewalk. They work together to create a complete perimeter around the dangerous construction zone. As they secure the tape, curious pedestrians approach but must stop at the newly created boundary. The officers direct people to walk around the blocked area using hand gestures. Other citizens gather nearby, pointing toward the restricted zone but unable to enter. authorities preventing access to an area by surrounding it with barriers
The warden must cordon off the yard - pardon the disruption!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Derived from French 'cordon', originally meaning a decorative ribbon or braid. The term evolved to denote a line or row of people/objects forming a barrier, and the phrasal verb 'cordon off' developed to mean isolating or restricting access to an area using such a cordoned boundary.
Breakdown
cordon (French: rope or braid, later a barrier line) + off (away, separately), forming a phrasal verb meaning to isolate or seal off an area with a cordon.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The chef cordoned off the kitchen after the great spaghetti explosion of 2023.”
“Fire department cordoned off the street due to the gas leak.”
“They cordoned off the playground when they found the mysterious giant rubber duck.”
“Security cordoned off the area around the suspicious package.”
📚Related Words
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