throw off

verb

threw off; thrown off; throwing off; throws off

transitive verb

1
a
: to free oneself from : get rid of
threw off his inhibitions
b
: to cast off often in a hurried or vigorous manner : abandon
threw off all restraint
c
: distract, divert
dogs thrown off by a false scent
2
: emit, give off
stacks throwing off plumes of smoke
3
: to produce in an offhand manner : execute with speed or facility
some little … tune that the composer had thrown offJames Hilton
4
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
5
: earn, generate
an investment that throws off a sizable income

intransitive verb

1
: to begin hunting
2
: to make derogatory comments

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
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.
And the expectation that Iranians, Lebanese, Palestinians, and Yemenis are going to rise up immediately and throw off the yoke of their brutal oppressors seems more like wishful thinking than informed analysis. Shalom Lipner, Foreign Affairs, 25 Nov. 2024 To me, part of the Ravens’ problem is since the Ray Lewis and Ed Reed era, they can be bullied and thrown off their game. Mike Preston, Baltimore Sun, 21 Nov. 2024 In 2012, cable networks threw off a robust $3.3 billion in cash flow. Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 21 Nov. 2024 Balancing a business that’s declining but still throws off lots of cash with new streaming imperative has been the top consideration for media companies and a very knotty one. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 20 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for throw off 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of throw off was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near throw off

Cite this Entry

“Throw off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/throw%20off. Accessed 5 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

throw off

verb
: to send out : emit
a sparkler throws off sparks

More from Merriam-Webster on throw off

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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