let off

verb

let off; letting off; lets off
1
: to allow (someone) to get off a bus, an airplane, etc.
Could you let me off (the bus) at the next stop, please?
The bus stopped to let off a few passengers.
2
: to allow (someone who has been caught doing something wrong or illegal) to go without being punished
The police officer let her off with just a warning.
They let him off easy/easily/lightly, if you ask me.
3
: to cause (something) to explode or to be released in a forceful way
let off a firecracker
opened the valve to let off pressure

Examples of let off in a Sentence

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.
Like that dutiful mastiff, this Urus is happiest when let off the leash. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 17 June 2026 Along with Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet’s his-and-hers matching Chrome Hearts style moment and Taylor Swift’s T-shirt clad squad, Mariska Hargitay was caught racing out onto the court to let off some steam and celebrate the win. Lara Walsh, InStyle, 11 June 2026 Buxton wasn’t the only Twin who let off some steam on Wednesday. Dan Hayes, New York Times, 11 June 2026 Corpse flowers grow up to 9 feet tall and let off an intense smell when in bloom. Wcco Staff, CBS News, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for let off

Cite this Entry

“Let off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/let%20off. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on let off

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster