put off

verb

put off; putting off; puts off

transitive verb

1
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

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.
Data reveals that communities of color, including Black and Latinx populations, are more likely to be uninsured or put off care because of financial difficulties. Lynya Floyd, Allure, 23 May 2025 Residents of the surrounding neighborhood were put off at first. Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 23 May 2025 Their children may be losing their jobs or putting off buying a home or car. Christine Ledbetter, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025 Don’t just put off RMDs; figure out how to best manage your retirement income and taxes. Steve Parrish, Forbes.com, 20 May 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

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Cite this Entry

“Put off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/put%20off. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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