First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1off
adverb \ˈȯf\
: away from a place
: away from a main road, path, etc.
: at a distance in time or space
Full 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
See off defined for English-language learners
See off defined for kids
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Origin of OFF
Middle English of, from Old English — more at of
2off
preposition
—used to indicate separation, distance, or removal from someone or something
: on money, food, energy, etc., supplied by (someone or something)
—used to indicate something that someone is no longer doing or using
Full Definition of OFF
1
a —used as a function word to indicate physical separation or distance from a position of rest, attachment, or union <take it off the table> <a path off the main walk> <a shop just off the main street> b : to seaward of <two miles off shore>
2
: from the possession or charge of <had his wallet stolen off him>
3
—used as a function word to indicate the object of an action <borrowed a dollar off him> <dined off oysters>
4
a —used as a function word to indicate the suspension of an occupation or activity <off duty> <off liquor> b : below the usual standard or level of <off his game>
See off defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of OFF
before 12th century
3off
adjective
: not attached to or covering something : not on
: not operating, functioning, or flowing
: in a position that stops the flow of electricity, water, etc.
Full Definition of OFF
2
a : started on the way <off on a spree> b : not taking place or staying in effect : canceled <the deal was off> c : not operating d : not placed so as to permit operation
3
4
a : spent off duty <reading on his off days> b : marked by a periodic decline in activity or business <traveled in the off season for lower prices>
5
6
: circumstanced <worse off>
See off defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of OFF
1666
Related to OFF
- Synonyms
- bastard, bush, bush-league, crummy (also crumby), deficient, dissatisfactory, ill, inferior, lame, lousy, bad, paltry, poor, punk, sour, suboptimal, subpar, substandard, unacceptable, unsatisfactory, wack [slang], wanting, wretched, wrong
- Antonyms
- acceptable, adequate, all right, decent, fine, OK (or okay), passable, respectable, satisfactory, standard, tolerable
4off
verb
: to kill or murder (someone)
Full Definition of OFF
intransitive verb
: to go away : depart —used chiefly as an imperative <off, or I'll shoot>
transitive verb
See off defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of OFF
1717
5off
abbreviation
Definition of OFF
office; officer; official
OFF Defined for Kids
1off
adverb \ˈȯf\
Definition of OFF for Kids
1
: from a place or position <He got angry and marched off.>
2
: from a course : aside <The driver turned off onto a side street.>
3
: so as not to be supported, covering or enclosing, or attached <I jumped off.> <The lid blew off.> <The handle fell off.>
4
: so as to be discontinued or finished <Turn the radio off.> <The couple paid off their debts.>
5
: away from work <I took the day off.>
2off
preposition
Definition of OFF for Kids
1
: away from the surface or top of <Take those books off the table.>
2
: at the expense of <I lived off my parents.>
3
: released or freed from <The officer was off duty.>
4
: below the usual level of <We can save a dollar off the price.>
5
: away from <The hotel is just off the highway.>
3off
adjective
Definition of OFF for Kids
1
: not operating or flowing <The radio is off.> <The electricity is off.>
2
: not attached to or covering <The lid is off.>
3
: started on the way <They're off on a trip.>
4
: not taking place <The game is off.>
5
: not correct : wrong <Your guess is way off.>
6
: not as good as usual <He's having an off day.>
7
: provided for <His family is well off.>
8
: small in degree : slight <There's an off chance I'll win.>
9
: away from home or work <He's off fishing.>
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