I. ˈȯf adverb
Etymology: Middle English of, from Old English — more at of
Date: before 12th century
1.
a.
(1) : from a place or position
march off
specifically : away from land
ship stood off to sea
(2) : at a distance in space or time
stood 10 paces off
a long way off
b. : from a course : aside
turned off into a bypath
specifically : away from the wind
c. : into an unconscious state
dozed off
2.
a. : so as to be separated from support
rolled to the edge of the table and off
or close contact
blew the lid off
the handle came off
b. : so as to be divided
surface marked off into squares
3.
a. : to a state of discontinuance or suspension
shut off an engine
b. — used as an intensifier
drink off a glass
finish it off
4. : in absence from or suspension of regular work or service
take time off for lunch
5. : offstage
II. preposition
Date: before 12th century
1.
a. — used as a function word to indicate physical separation or distance from a position of rest, attachment, or union
take it off the table
a path off the main walk
a shop just off the main street
b. : to seaward of
two miles off shore
2. : from the possession or charge of
had his wallet stolen off him
3. — used as a function word to indicate the object of an action
borrowed a dollar off him
dined off oysters
4.
a. — used as a function word to indicate the suspension of an occupation or activity
off duty
off liquor
b. : below the usual standard or level of
off his game
III. adjective
Date: 1666
1.
a. : seaward
b. : right
c. : more removed or distant
the off side of the building
2.
a. : started on the way
off on a spree
b. : not taking place or staying in effect : canceled
the deal was off
c. : not operating
d. : not placed so as to permit operation
3.
a. : not corresponding to fact : incorrect
off in his reckoning
b. : poor , subnormal
c. : not entirely sane : eccentric
d. : remote , slight
an off chance
4.
a. : spent off duty
reading on his off days
b. : marked by a periodic decline in activity or business
traveled in the off season for lower prices
5.
a. : off-color
b. : inferior
off grade of oil
also : affected with putrefaction
c. : down
stocks were off
6. : circumstanced
worse off
IV. verb
Date: 1717
intransitive verb
: to go away : depart — used chiefly as an imperative
off , or I'll shoot
transitive verb
slang : kill , murder
V. abbreviation
office; officer; official