throw off

verb

threw off; thrown off; throwing off; throws off
Synonyms of throw offnext

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

Synonyms

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of throw off in a Sentence

the sudden noise just threw me off completely, and I missed my shot
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.
On a hilltop in the center, some soldiers made last stands until they were slaughtered, others threw off their uniforms and tried to hide in civilian homes or U.N. bases. — Emmet Livingstone, The Dial, 20 Mar. 2025 Lawn mowers, chainsaws, and even dragging trailer chains can throw off sparks. — Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Mar. 2025 Last season, the entire year was thrown off the hinges for the Atlanta Braves when their ace, Spencer Strider, underwent season-ending elbow surgery. — David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025 More people can make use of evening light than morning light For the first weeks of daylight saving time, sleep schedules may be thrown off. — Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for throw off

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of throw off was in the 15th century

Rhymes for throw off

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Browse Nearby Words

throw off
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

throw off

verb
: to send out : emit
a sparkler throws off sparks

More from Merriam-Webster on throw off

Nglish: Translation of throw off for Spanish Speakers

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