Phrasal verb
strip off
Definition
phrasal verb. to take off all your clothes, or to remove a layer of something from a surface.
phrasal verb. to remove one's clothing, typically entirely; also used transitively to describe the removal of a covering or layer from a surface.
Examples
“The kids stripped off and ran into the sea.”
“After working in the muddy garden all day, he stripped off his wet clothes in the hallway.”
“The renovators spent the entire afternoon stripping off the ancient, floral wallpaper to reveal the bare plaster beneath.”
Examples
simple
“The kids stripped off and ran into the sea.”
contextual
“After working in the muddy garden all day, he stripped off his wet clothes in the hallway.”
complex
“The renovators spent the entire afternoon stripping off the ancient, floral wallpaper to reveal the bare plaster beneath.”
Usage
can be used intransitively for undressing or transitively when removing a covering like paint or wallpaper.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'take off' (general clothing) and 'undress' (more formal); 'strip off' implies a faster or more complete removal.
Pitfall
He stripped off of his shirt.
He stripped off his shirt.
the verb is transitive when an object is present; do not use the preposition 'of' between the particle and the object.
Phrasal verb
Particles
off
Separability
optional
Pattern
strip + off (+ object)
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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