PUT OFF

{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./ Syn.: PUT OUT.