Pronunciation: [ʃˈʌt ˈa͡ʊt] (IPA) 
The phrase "shut out" is spelled with the letters S-H-U-T followed by O-U-T. In IPA phonetic transcription, "shut" is pronounced / ʃʌt /, with the "sh" sound represented by the symbol ʃ, and the "u" sound as ʌ. "Out" is pronounced / aʊt /, with the "ou" sound as a diphthong represented by the symbol aʊ. Together, these two words create the verb phrase "shut out," meaning to exclude or prevent from entering a place or situation.
Shut out, as a phrasal verb, has multiple uses and meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Primarily, it refers to the act of excluding or denying access to someone or something, usually intentionally. It implies the action of preventing entry, participation, or involvement.
In sports, shut out refers to the achievement of preventing the opposing team from scoring any points, such as in soccer, baseball, or ice hockey. A team or player who successfully prevents their opponents from scoring is said to have shut them out.
Figuratively, shut out can be used to describe situations where someone is excluded or ostracized from a group, activity, or social circle. It may signify the feeling of being left out or ignored, as if one is not being given the opportunity to partake in something.
In the business world, shut out can signify the act of excluding individuals or organizations from a particular market or business opportunity, typically to give an unfair advantage to certain favored parties.
Additionally, shut out can also refer to the action or state of denying or ignoring one's emotions or feelings, shutting them out from conscious awareness or expression.
Overall, the term shut out conveys the concept of exclusion, denial, or prevention, whether related to physical access, participation, emotional expression, or business opportunities.
The word "shut out" originated from the Old English word "scyttian", which means "to shut". It further evolved to Middle English as "shetten", with the same meaning. Eventually, the phrasal verb "shut out" emerged, combining "shut" and "out" to convey the idea of excluding or keeping someone or something outside. It has been in use since the 15th century.
