# put off

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/put-off
Updated: 2026-08-12

## Definition

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

For teachers: to postpone an event or task to a later time; to cause someone to lose interest or enthusiasm for a person or activity.

## Examples

- Don't put off your homework until the last minute.
- The heavy rain forced the organizers to put off the outdoor concert until next weekend.
- His arrogant attitude during the interview really put me off, despite his impressive technical qualifications and years of experience in the field.

## Pitfalls

- Not "put off it" but "put it off" — When the object is a pronoun, it must be placed between the verb and the particle.

## Usage notes

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

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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.