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 of put off

• postpone
• delay
• put over
• defer

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

While delaying care may seem like a practical way to manage vet costs in the short term, putting off treatment can sometimes create larger financial and medical challenges in the future. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 11 June 2026

Many were already put off by steep prices for tickets and accommodation that will make this easily the most expensive World Cup in history for fans. —Abigail Williams, NBC news, 10 June 2026

The duty to prove fairness is in force; the sharpest tool for proving it has been put off, year after year. —Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 10 June 2026

But she was put off by its $65,000 to $75,000 sticker price. —Bloomberg, Oc Register, 8 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Rhymes for put off

• ashraf
• checkoff
• cutoff
• falloff
• handoff
• kickoff
• layoff
• liftoff
• markoff
• markov
• payoff
• playoff

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