# buy off

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/buy-off
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 2. military release

phrasal verb · CEFR C2 · Archaic

to pay money to get someone out of serving in the army.

For teachers: to obtain a person's release from military service by paying a fee. This usage is largely historical or restricted to specific legal contexts.

- In the past, wealthy families could buy off their sons from the draft.
- During the nineteenth century, it was common practice for the landed gentry to buy off their heirs from mandatory military service.

## Examples

- The company tried to buy off the protesters with a small donation.
- The corrupt official was easily bought off by the developers who wanted to build on protected land.
- In a desperate attempt to maintain his monopoly, the CEO sought to buy off his competitors through a series of lucrative but unethical private settlements.

## Usage notes

- Teaching tip: contrast with 'bribe' (the direct verb) and 'pay off' (which can be neutral, like paying a debt); 'buy off' specifically implies removing an obstacle or threat.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.