Dictionary

throw off

verb

Definition of THROW 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 off — James 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
ADVERTISEMENT

First Known Use of THROW OFF

1604

Related to THROW OFF

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: throw outPrevious Word in the Dictionary: thrown silkAll Words Near: throw off
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears