[lay off] vt (1748) 1: to mark or measure off
2: to cease to employ (a worker) often temporarily 3 of a bookie: to place all or part of (an accepted bet) with another bookie to reduce the risk
4. a: to leave undisturbed b: avoid, quit ~ vi 1: to stop doing or taking something
2: to leave one alone "wish you'd just lay off"