get off

verb

got off; got off or gotten off; getting off; gets off

intransitive verb

1

: to avoid the most serious consequences of a dangerous situation or punishment

got off with a light sentence

2

: start, leave

got off on the trip early

3

: to leave work with permission or as scheduled

4

: to get high on a drug

5

: to experience orgasm

6

: to experience great pleasure

—often used with on

transitive verb

1

: to secure the release of or procure a modified penalty for

his lawyers got him off

2

a

: utter

get off a joke

b

: to write and send

3

: to succeed in doing, making, or delivering

4

: to cause to get off

Synonyms

• bail
• bail out
• begone
• book [slang]
• bug off
• bug out
• bugger off [British slang]
• buzz (off)
• clear off [chiefly British]
• clear out
• cut out
• depart
• dig out
• exit
• get
• go
• go off
• move
• pack (up or off)
• part
• peel off
• pike (out or off)
• pull out
• push off
• push on
• quit
• run along
• sally (forth)
• scarper [British]
• shove (off)
• step (along)
• take off
• vamoose
• walk out

Examples of get off in a Sentence

told him to get off for home before it got dark

breakfast helps you get off to a good start in the morning

Recent Examples on the Web

Stroman, a two-time All-Star from Medford, N.Y., got off to a hot start with the Yankees. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 16 Dec. 2024

Leading 17-10 with 1:29 left in the first half, Braden Mann got off a punt from Philadelphia’s own 16 that traveled a season-low 29 yards. —Brooks Kubena, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024

Robert Whittaker is Stoked For UFC 311’s Main Event The UFC is getting off to a fast start to kick off 2025. —Brian Mazique, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024

As the season gets off to a lackluster start for the Heat, Butler could very easily start looking for other options. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

get off

verb

1

: set out sense 2

got off on their camping trip

2

: to escape or help to escape punishment or harm