put off

verb

put off; putting off; puts off
Synonyms of put offnext

transitive verb

1
a
: disconcert
b
: repel
2
a
: to hold back to a later time
b
: to induce to wait
put the bill collector off
3
: to rid oneself of : take off
4
: to sell or pass fraudulently

Synonyms

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of put off in a Sentence

never put off until tomorrow what you can do today put off your coat and stay awhile
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.
But even homes standing on safer grounds are seen as a dangerous investment by potential buyers, who are also put off by the prospect of higher maintenance costs and insurance limitations. — Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Aug. 2025 As prices for new cars continue to rise, consumers are looking for ways to keep their current vehicle running and put off a purchase. — Brian Sloan, CNBC, 31 July 2025 Many parents begged their daughters to have their dates at home or put off dating until the killer was caught. — Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 30 July 2025 Parents who are put off by hyperactive action should probably stay away, but there’s a charming go-for-broke attitude that’s admirable, particularly in the great voicework from Ben Schwartz as Sonic and remarkable overacting from Jim Carrey as the villain. — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 28 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for put off

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of put off was in the 14th century

Rhymes for put off

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Browse Nearby Words

Putnam scale
put off
put-on
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Cite this Entry

“Put off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/put%20off. Accessed 13 Aug. 2025.

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Kids Definition

put off

verb
1
: to cause negative feelings in
your sloppy appearance put them off
2
: to hold back to a later time : defer
put off my visit to the dentist
3
: to rid oneself of
put off your coat

More from Merriam-Webster on put off

Nglish: Translation of put off for Spanish Speakers

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