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

Since tomorrow is never promised, many Americans who put off planning could face a health care emergency that derails their travel, leisure and other retirement plans, advisers said. —Medora Lee, USA Today, 5 Apr. 2026

While Robinson's defense is seeking to put off his preliminary hearing for another six months, Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, has filed a notice with the court invoking her right to seek a speedy trial as a victim under Utah law. —Michael Ruiz , Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 31 Mar. 2026

In the post, the shopper described being put off by the condition of the shop and the behavior of two employees behind the counter. —Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026

Is the instant reaction to be put off your guard or wonder how this person even found themselves at your show? —Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 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