The phrase "cuts dead" often means to suddenly stop communicating with someone or to ignore them completely. There are a number of synonyms to describe this behavior, including avoiding, snubbing, shunning, ostracizing, ignoring, and cold-shouldering. These words all imply a deliberate choice to distance oneself from another person, often due to a perceived slight or disagreement. Other related phrases and words include giving the silent treatment, shutting someone out, and breaking off contact. Regardless of the specific term used, cutting someone dead can be a hurtful and damaging behavior, and it's important to communicate openly and honestly with others in any relationships.