let off
phrasal verb
let off; letting off; lets off
1
: to allow (someone) to get off a bus, an airplane, etc.
Could you let me off (the bus) at the next stop, please?
The bus stopped to let off a few passengers.
2
: to allow (someone who has been caught doing something wrong or illegal) to go without being punished
The police officer let her off with just a warning.
They let him off easy/easily/lightly, if you ask me.
3
: to cause (something) to explode or to be released in a forceful way
let off a firecracker
opened the valve to let off pressure
Examples of let off in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Accusations that Black people will wait in line for sneakers or fast food but not to exercise political power gets parroted over and over, while the majority white electorate gets let off the hook for commandeering the ship.
—
Brea Baker, refinery29.com, 18 Oct. 2024
The natural woven pendant can fit in with most design styles, and the lamp lets off a soft white light that will make any space extra cozy.
—Rachel Trujillo, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Oct. 2024
Meek Mill let off a series of tweets last night offering up $100K for an investigative team to figure out why fans and media outlets keep mentioning his name with Diddy.
—Angel Diaz, Billboard, 24 Sep. 2024
The tank pulled back, its turret right above the crater, and from 10 feet above their heads let off another round.
—Sarah A. Topol, New York Times, 20 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for let off 
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.
Brea Baker, refinery29.com, 18 Oct. 2024
The natural woven pendant can fit in with most design styles, and the lamp lets off a soft white light that will make any space extra cozy.
—Rachel Trujillo, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Oct. 2024
Meek Mill let off a series of tweets last night offering up $100K for an investigative team to figure out why fans and media outlets keep mentioning his name with Diddy.
—Angel Diaz, Billboard, 24 Sep. 2024
The tank pulled back, its turret right above the crater, and from 10 feet above their heads let off another round.
—Sarah A. Topol, New York Times, 20 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for let off
Dictionary Entries Near let off
Cite this Entry
“Let off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/let%20off. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share