let off
phrasal 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
Once we get hit 3-2-1-zero, the unit swings and lets off steam upon observers below.
—
Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2025
Constructive complaining isn’t just about letting off steam.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Using duck tape and wire ties to modify a vest in his basement, Campbell affixed LED lights below the vest, letting off a strong glow that is visible to oncoming traffic.
—David Ferrara, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
One member of the Irish hip-hop trio is already bailed on a terror charge, while the group has just been let off after being investigated for calling for the death of MPs at a gig 18 months ago.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for let off
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Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2025
Constructive complaining isn’t just about letting off steam.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Using duck tape and wire ties to modify a vest in his basement, Campbell affixed LED lights below the vest, letting off a strong glow that is visible to oncoming traffic.
—David Ferrara, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
One member of the Irish hip-hop trio is already bailed on a terror charge, while the group has just been let off after being investigated for calling for the death of MPs at a gig 18 months ago.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 30 June 2025
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 4 Aug. 2025.
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