buy off

verb

bought off; buying off; buys off

transitive verb

1
: to induce to refrain (as from prosecution) by a payment or other consideration
2
: to free (as from military service) by payment

Examples of buy off in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Still others, just as exhausted by high murder and kidnapping rates, and having lost confidence in Mexican law enforcement often bought off by criminals, have started to lean toward welcoming U.S. troops. Tracy Wilkinson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Dec. 2024 The passage of Obamacare over industry opposition was the first sign that the private sector’s political vise grip was loosening, with the Obama White House successfully dividing the industry against itself, targeting insurers and hospitals for cuts while in effect buying off pharma’s opposition. Dylan Scott, Vox, 6 Dec. 2024 There’s no way to ensure the safety of products bought off sites such as TikTok, despite what the seller says. Maggie O'Neill, Health, 5 Dec. 2024 The Joneses gave him a few thousand dollars to buy off the babysitter’s family. Christopher Goffard, Los Angeles Times, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for buy off 

Word History

First Known Use

1614, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of buy off was in 1614

Dictionary Entries Near buy off

Cite this Entry

“Buy off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buy%20off. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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