v. 1. informal To cause confusion in; embarrass; displease. I was rather put off by the shamelessness of his proposal. The man's slovenliness put me off. 2. To wait and have (something) at a later time; postpone. They put off the picnic because of the rain. 3. To make (someone) wait; turn aside. When he asked her to name a day for their wedding, she put him off. When the bill collector called, Mrs. Smith managed to put him off. 4. To draw away the attention; turn aside; distract. Little Jeannie began to tell the guests some family secrets, but Father was able to put her off. 5. To move out to sea; leave shore. They put off in small boats to meet the coming ship.
Synonym: PUT OUT.