put off
phrasal verb·2 senses·particle off
Meanings
Delay or postpone
Why “off”? Something is delayed, interrupted, reduced, or brought to an end.
“We had to put off the meeting.”
“Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today.”
“Stop putting off the dentist appointment.”
“Maya and Leo put off their practice run until the office computer was ready.”
Discourage or repel
Why “off”? Something unwanted is prevented from reaching or affecting you.
“The smell put me off my food.”
“The rude waiter put us off the cafe.”
“Don't let one bad review put you off the book.”
Memory hook
You push the task off your desk to a later day.
Common mistake
Don't put off to do your homework.
Don't put off doing your homework.
After put off, use the -ing form, not to.
Natural collocations
The word partners “put off” most often appears with — learn the phrase, not just the verb.
In conversation
Have you booked the dentist?
Not yet — I keep putting it off.
Don't confuse with
Test yourself
“We had to put off the meeting.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
put aside
A contrast learners often mix up
Save for a specific purpose; Ignore or set a feeling aside
put on
A contrast learners often mix up
Dress yourself in clothing; Host or stage an event; Gain weight; Apply onto a surface; Cause a device to start running; Pretend to have a feeling or act in a false way
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
Suddenly end a relationship, discussion, activity, or official contact; Detach a piece from something larger by breaking; Take a short pause from an activity
brush off
Same off pattern: defence
Dismiss something or someone as unimportant; Remove dust or dirt by sweeping it lightly; Refuse to talk to someone politely
buy off
Same off pattern: stopping
Bribe someone to stop opposing you
call off
Same off pattern: stopping
Cancel a planned event
Tell it apart
Side-by-side comparisons with the verbs learners most often confuse for “put off”.
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