English Reference
Phrasal verb

put off

phrasal verb.
B1 Intermediate

phrasal verb.to delay doing something until a later time, or to make someone lose interest in something.

phrasal verb.to postpone an event or task to a later time; to cause someone to lose interest or enthusiasm for a person or activity.


SIMPLE

Don't put off your homework until the last minute.

CONTEXTUAL

The heavy rain forced the organizers to put off the outdoor concert until next weekend.

COMPLEX

His arrogant attitude during the interview really put me off, despite his impressive technical qualifications and years of experience in the field.

Usage

The phrasal verb is transitive and separable; it can take a direct object between the verb and the particle.

Pitfall
put off itput it off

When the object is a pronoun, it must be placed between the verb and the particle.

Particles
off
Separability
separable
Pattern
put + (object) + off
This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Very common
Updated