put off

verb

put off; putting off; puts off

transitive verb

1

a

: disconcert

b

: repel

2

a

: to hold back to a later time

b

: to induce to wait

put the bill collector off

3

: to rid oneself of : take off

4

: to sell or pass fraudulently

Synonyms

• defer
• delay
• hold off (on)
• hold over
• hold up
• lay over
• postpone
• put over
• remit
• shelve

Examples of put off in a Sentence

never put off until tomorrow what you can do today

put off your coat and stay awhile

Recent Examples on the Web

Democratic insiders agreed to put off the formality, but not too long. —Philip Elliott, TIME, 19 July 2024

That may appeal to traditionalists in the Recording Academy’s voting membership who are put off by this era’s collaboration-heavy approach. —Paul Grein, Billboard, 19 July 2024

Not everyone is convinced that Trump, known for a lifetime of inflammatory words on race, immigration and more, will be able to sustain a tempered tone, despite its potential value in reaching some voters who have been put off by his rhetoric. —Susan Page, USA TODAY, 16 July 2024

However, Trustee House said the village is continuing to put off paying the sum for now. —Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 12 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

put off

verb

1

: to cause negative feelings in

your sloppy appearance put them off

2

: to hold back to a later time : defer

put off my visit to the dentist

3

: to rid oneself of

put off your coat