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 offJames 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

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.
As long as that business continues to dominate in mobile, exceed expectations and throw off billions of dollars of cash a quarter, Zuckerberg is likely to get plenty of leeway to pursue his AI ambitions. Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2026 The trailer gives a taste of just how dire the situation is, as Stephanie’s is totally thrown off without her gum. Katie Campione, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2026 We were thrown off a little bit. Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2026 Oversized handles or trendy colored knobs can be distracting and disproportionate, which can throw off the entire space. Jane Kim, The Spruce, 29 Jan. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Throw off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/throw%20off. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

throw off

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

More from Merriam-Webster on throw off

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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