Shut out Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Impact Being shut out can feel hurtful and create a sense of rejection or exclusion. She felt very lonely after being shut out of the group. Pro Tip 2/3Physical Barriers This expression can involve literal barriers like closed doors or gates. The club shut out non-members during private events. Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Intentional People are sometimes shut out due to misunderstandings, not deliberate action. He didn’t mean to shut her out; he simply forgot to invite her.