Main Entry: lay off

Function: verb

Date: 1748

transitive verb

1 : to mark or measure off
2 : to cease to employ (a worker) often temporarily
3 of a bookie : to place all or part of (an accepted bet) with another bookie to reduce the risk
4 a : to leave undisturbed b : avoid, quit <was advised to lay off smoking and alcohol> c : to refrain from swinging at (a pitch)intransitive verb 1 : to stop doing or taking something
2 : to leave one alone <wish you'd just lay off>