put off

verb

put off; putting off; puts off

transitive verb

1
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For example, a commuter who is reliant on their vehicle to get to work cannot put off repairs that keep their vehicle running. Faisal Kutty, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025 Don't give in to distractions like checking your phone in meetings, leaving tasks incomplete or putting off difficult conversations. Veronica Angela, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025 Canadians put off by Trump’s bluster and border arrests are booking far fewer U.S. visits. Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2025 Original price: $110 Versace Bright Crystal Eau De Toilette Spray is the perfect spring fragrance that puts off distinctly feminine notes of peony, lotus and magnolia. Nora Colomer May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for put off

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of put off was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Put off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/put%20off. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on put off

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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