die off
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle off
Meanings
Gradually all die one after another
Why “off”? A continuous line is snipped. The activity stops.
“The plants died off in the frost.”
“The fish died off after the spill.”
Don't confuse with
Die off means gradually all die one after another. Die back means lose leaves and branches above ground while the roots survive.
Test yourself
“The plants died off in the frost.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
die back
A contrast learners often mix up
(of a plant) lose leaves and branches above ground while the roots survive
back off
Same off pattern: stopping
Move away from someone or something, often in retreat; Stop pressuring or interfering with someone; Withdraw from a previous position or commitment
blow off
Same off pattern: stopping
Be removed by force, especially wind; Cancel plans or fail to meet someone deliberately; Release strong feelings, especially anger; Remove dust or particles by blowing air on them
break off
Same off pattern: stopping
End a relationship, talk or activity suddenly; Detach a piece from something larger by breaking; End diplomatic, business or personal contact; Take a short pause from an activity
buy off
Same off pattern: stopping
Bribe someone to stop opposing you
call off
Same off pattern: stopping
Cancel a planned event
check off
Same off pattern: stopping
Mark items on a list as done or counted
clear off
Same off pattern: stopping
Leave a place quickly, often when told to; Remove items from a surface; Pay off a debt completely
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