English dictionary



Hint: Question mark (?) is a wildcard. Question mark substitutes one character.

English verb: put off

1. put off (stative) hold back to a later time


SamplesLet's postpone the exam.


Synonymsdefer, hold over, postpone, prorogue, put over, remit, set back, shelve, table


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something.
Somebody ----s something PP


Broader (hypernym)delay


Narrower (hyponym)call, hold, probate, reprieve, respite, suspend


Entailcall off, cancel, reschedule, scratch, scrub

2. put off (emotion) cause to feel intense dislike or distaste


ExamplesThe performance is likely to put off Sue


Synonymsturn off


Pattern of useSomebody ----s somebody.
Something ----s somebody


Broader (hypernym)repel, repulse

3. put off (emotion) take away the enthusiasm of


ExamplesThe performance is likely to put off Sue


Synonymsdishearten


Pattern of useSomebody ----s somebody.
Something ----s somebody


Broader (hypernym)discourage


Antonymscheer, embolden, hearten, recreate

4. put off (emotion) cause to feel embarrassment


SamplesThe constant attention of the young man confused her.


ExamplesThe bad news will put off him


Synonymsconfuse, disconcert, flurry


Pattern of useSomebody ----s somebody.
Something ----s somebody


Broader (hypernym)abash, embarrass


Narrower (hyponym)bother, deflect, distract, fluster


Verb groupbedevil, befuddle, confound, confuse, discombobulate, fox, fuddle, throw

5. put off (communication) avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing (duties, questions, or issues)


SamplesHe dodged the issue.
She skirted the problem.
They tend to evade their responsibilities.
He evaded the questions skillfully.


Synonymscircumvent, dodge, duck, elude, evade, fudge, hedge, parry, sidestep, skirt


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something


Broader (hypernym)avoid


Narrower (hyponym)beg, quibble









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