throw off

verb

threw off; thrown off; throwing off; throws off
Synonyms of throw offnext

transitive verb

1
a
: to free oneself from : get rid of
threw off his inhibitions
b
: to cast off often in a hurried or vigorous manner : abandon
threw off all restraint
c
: distract, divert
dogs thrown off by a false scent
2
: emit, give off
stacks throwing off plumes of smoke
3
: to produce in an offhand manner : execute with speed or facility
… some little … tune that the composer had thrown off …—James Hilton
4
a
: to cause to depart from an expected or desired course
mistakes threw his calculations off a bit
b
: to cause to make a mistake : mislead
5
: earn, generate
an investment that throws off a sizable income

intransitive verb

1
: to begin hunting
2
: to make derogatory comments

Synonyms of throw off

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Examples of throw off in a Sentence

the sudden noise just threw me off completely, and I missed my shot
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
People often reach for supplements when shift work, frequent travel or insomnia throws off their sleep patterns. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2026 Though the company is still throwing off bundles of cash, the profits aren’t good enough for a ravenous Wall Street, and the blood of 1,000 staff has been let as Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters attempt to change the record. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2026 Pie filling comes pre-sweetened and spiced, so swapping it into a recipe that calls for plain puree will throw off the sugar, salt and seasoning. — Lauren Schuster, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026 The state has banned Vegemite because it could potentially be used to brew alcohol and throw off dogs. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for throw off

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of throw off was in the 15th century

Rhymes for throw off

See All Rhymes for throw off

Browse Nearby Words

thrown silk
throw off
throw on
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Throw off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/throw%20off. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

throw off

verb
: to send out : emit
a sparkler throws off sparks
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