# log off

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/log-off
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to finish using a computer system or website by closing your session. You use this when you want to stop working and keep your account safe.

For teachers: to terminate a secure connection to a computer, network, or application. The verb is primarily intransitive but may take a prepositional object starting with 'from'.

## Examples

- Remember to log off when you finish your work.
- For security reasons, the bank website will automatically log off if you do not move your mouse for ten minutes.
- The system administrator advised all employees to log off from the main server before the scheduled maintenance began at midnight to avoid any potential data corruption.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I forgot to log off to the website." but "I forgot to log off from the website." — The verb 'log off' takes the preposition 'from' rather than 'to' when followed by an object.

## Usage notes

- You can use this phrase alone or follow it with 'from' and the name of the system.
- Teaching tip: Contrast 'log off' with 'shut down' to ensure students understand the difference between ending a user session and turning off the hardware.

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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.