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 of throw off

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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.
With the pocket collapsing, Young retreated and threw off his back foot for Tetairoa McMillan down the middle of the field. — Joseph Person, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Loading up the chest throws off a woman’s natural movement pattern and can lead to injury. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 20 Aug. 2026 The players then throw off their capes as the crowd goes crazy. — John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026 Lecoutre and his team are also considering shifting to more heat-resilient plants in the future, while also planning for earlier blooms as plants are thrown off their usual schedule, in response to the intense heat. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 19 Aug. 2026 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

thrown silk
throw off
throw on
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Throw off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/throw%20off. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

throw off

verb
: to send out : emit
a sparkler throws off sparks
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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