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

School has been back in session for weeks and the summer temps are steadily dropping, which means that there’s no reason to put off a September cleanout any longer. — Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2026

Analysts say the naira currency’s depreciation over the last three years, due to Nigeria’s economic policy revamp, highlights the macroeconomic risks that may put off investors in the economy, including in healthcare. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Stop putting off that next step for your side hustle and find the perfect person to take your business to the next level. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 9 Sep. 2026

Don’t be put off by the alarming title; this book approaches our ominous political landscape with an eye to diagnosing, not depressing. — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 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