Function: transitive verb
Date: 1604
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 off ― James 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