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
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.
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 

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 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on let off

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!