\ ˈȯf
\
\
Definition of off
(Entry 1 of 6)
1a(1)
: from a place or position
march off
specifically
: away from land
ship stood off to sea
(2)
: at a distance in space or time
stood 10 paces off a long way off
b
: from a course : aside
turned off into a bypath
specifically
: away from the wind
The ship eased off a point or two.
c
: into an unconscious state
dozed off
2a
: so as to be separated from support
rolled to the edge of the table and off
or close contact
blew the lid off the handle came off
b
: so as to be divided
surface marked off into squares
3a
: to a state of discontinuance or suspension
shut off an engine
b
—used as an intensifier drink off a glassfinish it off
4
: in absence from or suspension of regular work or service
take time off for lunch
5
: offstage
The actor turns and goes off.
off
prepositionDefinition of off (Entry 2 of 6)
1a
—used as a function word to indicate physical separation or distance from a position of rest, attachment, or union take it off the tablea path off the main walka shop just off the main street
b
: to seaward of
two miles off shore
2
: from the possession or charge of
had his wallet stolen off him
3
—used as a function word to indicate the object of an action borrowed a dollar off himdined off oysters
4a
—used as a function word to indicate the suspension of an occupation or activity off dutyoff liquor
b
: below the usual standard or level of
off his game
off
adjectiveDefinition of off (Entry 3 of 6)
2a
: started on the way
off on a spree
b
: not taking place or staying in effect : canceled
the deal was off
c
: not operating
d
: not placed so as to permit operation
4a
: spent off duty
reading on his off days
b
: marked by a periodic decline in activity or business
traveled in the off season for lower prices
6
: circumstanced
worse off
off
verb
offed; offing; offs
Definition of off (Entry 4 of 6)
: to go away : depart
—used chiefly as an imperative Off, or I'll shoot!
off
abbreviationDefinition of off (Entry 5 of 6)
office; officer; official
-off
noun combining form
\ ˌȯf \
Definition of -off (Entry 6 of 6)
: competition : contest
cook-off dance-off
Synonyms & Antonyms for off
Synonyms: Adverb
Synonyms: Adjective
- bad,
- bastard,
- bush,
- bush-league,
- crummy
- (also crumby),
- deficient,
- dissatisfactory,
- ill,
- inferior,
- lame,
- lousy,
- paltry,
- poor,
- punk,
- sour,
- suboptimal,
- subpar,
- substandard,
- unacceptable,
- unsatisfactory,
- wack
- [slang],
- wanting,
- wretched,
- wrong
Synonyms: Verb
- assassinate,
- bump off,
- croak
- [slang],
- dispatch,
- do in,
- execute,
- get,
- ice
- [slang],
- knock off,
- liquidate,
- murder,
- neutralize,
- put away,
- rub out,
- slay,
- snuff,
- take out,
- terminate,
- whack
- [slang]
Antonyms: Adjective
- acceptable,
- adequate,
- all right,
- decent,
- fine,
- OK
- (or okay),
- passable,
- respectable,
- satisfactory,
- standard,
- tolerable
Learn More About off
Statistics for off
Last Updated
18 Sep 2022
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Cite this Entry
“Off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/off. Accessed 29 Sep. 2022.
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More Definitions for off
off
adverb
\ ˈȯf
\
\
Kids Definition of off
(Entry 1 of 4)
1
: from a place or position
He got angry and marched off.
2
: from a course : aside
The driver turned off onto a side street.
3
: so as not to be supported, covering or enclosing, or attached
I jumped off. The lid blew off. The handle fell off.
4
: so as to be discontinued or finished
Turn the radio off. The couple paid off their debts.
5
: away from work
I took the day off.
off
prepositionKids Definition of off (Entry 2 of 4)
1
: away from the surface or top of
Take those books off the table.
2
: at the expense of
I lived off my parents.
3
: released or freed from
The officer was off duty.
4
: below the usual level of
We can save a dollar off the price.
5
: away from
The hotel is just off the highway.
off
adjectiveKids Definition of off (Entry 3 of 4)
1
: not operating or flowing
The radio is off. The electricity is off.
2
: not attached to or covering
The lid is off.
3
: started on the way
They're off on a trip.
4
: not taking place
The game is off.
5
: not correct : wrong
Your guess is way off.
6
: not as good as usual
He's having an off day.
7
: provided for
His family is well off.
8
: small in degree : slight
There's an off chance I'll win.
9
: away from home or work
He's off fishing.
off.
abbreviationKids Definition of off.
office
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Time Traveler for off
The first known use of off was before the 12th century
See more words from the same century