shut out

shut out  {v.}
1. To prevent from coming in; block.
During World War II, Malta managed to shut out most of the Italian and German bombers by throwing up an effective anti-aircraft screen.
The boys were annoyed by Tom's telling club secrets and shut him out of their meeting.
2. To prevent (an opposing team) from scoring throughout an entire game.
The Dodgers shut out the Reds, 5—0.
Categories: verb world