pawn off

verb

pawned off; pawning off; pawns off

transitive verb

: to get rid of or pass off usually by deception : palm off

Examples of pawn off in a Sentence

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.
It’s gotten too easy for lawmakers to pawn off climate and clean energy programs to the Public Utilities Commission, leading to simpler budget-balancing but out-of-control electric bills. — Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2025 Ah, yes, nothing inspires creativity like pawning off a real chance to shine on an AI chatbot. — Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 4 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pawn off was in 1832

Rhymes for pawn off

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pawn off
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Cite this Entry

“Pawn off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pawn%20off. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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