off

¹off

adv \ˈȯf\

Definition of OFF

1

a (1) : from a place or position <march off>; specifically : away from land <ship stood off to sea> (2) : at a distance in space or time <stood 10 paces off> <a long way off> b : from a course : aside <turned off into a bypath>; specifically : away from the wind c : into an unconscious state <dozed off>

2

a : so as to be separated from support <rolled to the edge of the table and off> or close contact <blew the lid off> <the handle came off> b : so as to be divided <surface marked off into squares>

3

a : to a state of discontinuance or suspension <shut off an engine> b —used as an intensifier <drink off a glass> <finish it off>

4

: in absence from or suspension of regular work or service <take time off for lunch>

5

: offstage

Examples of OFF

1. She put on her jacket and off she went.
2. The car turned off onto a side street.

Origin of OFF

Middle English of, from Old English — more at of

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to OFF

Synonyms: down, fro, hence, away, out

Related Words: apart, aside, elsewhere; abroad, afar, afield, astray

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Rhymes with OFF

cough, doff, scoff, taw, trough