let off
phrasal verb
let off; letting off; lets off
1
: to allow (someone) to get off a bus, an airplane, etc.
Could you let me off (the bus) at the next stop, please?
The bus stopped to let off a few passengers.
2
: to allow (someone who has been caught doing something wrong or illegal) to go without being punished
The police officer let her off with just a warning.
They let him off easy/easily/lightly, if you ask me.
3
: to cause (something) to explode or to be released in a forceful way
let off a firecracker
opened the valve to let off pressure
Examples of let off in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Not even Valerie’s disclosure that George might be the target of a neurological weapon devised in violation of the Geneva Convention can convince Sheila that he should be let off the hook about anything.
—
Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2025
They, along with the castle, were lit up in a lovely way as the sun set while the event was underway.
12
An Extra Special Kiss
Obi kissed his bride as sparklers and colorful smoke were let off behind them.
—Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 14 Feb. 2025
Johnny's not letting him off the hook and Kreese isn't asking to be let off the hook.
—Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 13 Feb. 2025
No other injuries were reported, and other passengers who were on the ride at the time were let off at the top of the lift as usual.
—Angel Saunders, People.com, 4 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for let off
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Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2025
They, along with the castle, were lit up in a lovely way as the sun set while the event was underway.
12
An Extra Special Kiss
Obi kissed his bride as sparklers and colorful smoke were let off behind them.
—Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 14 Feb. 2025
Johnny's not letting him off the hook and Kreese isn't asking to be let off the hook.
—Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 13 Feb. 2025
No other injuries were reported, and other passengers who were on the ride at the time were let off at the top of the lift as usual.
—Angel Saunders, People.com, 4 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for let off
Cite this Entry
“Let off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/let%20off. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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