throw off
verb
threw off; thrown off; throwing off; throws off
1
3
: to produce in an offhand manner : execute with speed or facility
… some little … tune that the composer had thrown off …—
James Hilton
James Hilton4
a
: to cause to depart from an expected or desired course
mistakes threw his calculations off a bit
b
: to cause to make a mistake : mislead
Examples of throw off in a Sentence
the sudden noise just threw me off completely, and I missed my shot
Recent Examples on the Web
In the aftermath of the attack, strollers were left behind on the lawn, discarded as parents grabbed their children and ran, throwing off their flip flops, to flee the bullets and find shelter.
—Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 15 Dec. 2025
In some cases, probiotics can even backfire, throwing off the delicate balance of microbes and causing digestive symptoms.
—Caroline Tien, SELF, 12 Dec. 2025
Also, after the recent additions of the Best Cinematic and Box Office Achievement and Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on Television categories, this marks the first year of the Best Podcast category, which threw off lots of campaigning among its 25 qualified titles.
—Patrick Hipes, Deadline, 7 Dec. 2025
The whole equilibrium of the show was thrown off without Leighton bringing her signature sass (and questionable fashion choices) to Essex College.
—Ew Staff, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for throw off
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.
Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 15 Dec. 2025
In some cases, probiotics can even backfire, throwing off the delicate balance of microbes and causing digestive symptoms.
—Caroline Tien, SELF, 12 Dec. 2025
Also, after the recent additions of the Best Cinematic and Box Office Achievement and Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on Television categories, this marks the first year of the Best Podcast category, which threw off lots of campaigning among its 25 qualified titles.
—Patrick Hipes, Deadline, 7 Dec. 2025
The whole equilibrium of the show was thrown off without Leighton bringing her signature sass (and questionable fashion choices) to Essex College.
—Ew Staff, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for throw off
Cite this Entry
“Throw off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/throw%20off. Accessed 20 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share