throw off

verb

threw off; thrown off; throwing off; throws off

transitive verb

1

a

: to free oneself from : get rid of

threw off his inhibitions

b

: to cast off often in a hurried or vigorous manner : abandon

threw off all restraint

c

: distract, divert

dogs thrown off by a false scent

2

: emit, give off

stacks throwing off plumes of smoke

3

: to produce in an offhand manner : execute with speed or facility

some little … tune that the composer had thrown off

—James Hilton

4

a

: to cause to depart from an expected or desired course

mistakes threw his calculations off a bit

b

: to cause to make a mistake : mislead

5

: earn, generate

an investment that throws off a sizable income

intransitive verb

1

: to begin hunting

2

: to make derogatory comments

Synonyms

• abstract
• call off
• detract
• distract
• divert

Examples of throw off in a Sentence

the sudden noise just threw me off completely, and I missed my shot

Recent Examples on the Web

The Timberwolves can’t use injuries as an excuse for their 18-17 record, but their significant trade has thrown off their equilibrium, leaving them chasing the good vibes of last season’s conference finals run. —Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025

Not having certain amenities like a straw or a blanket can throw off a student’s entire day. —Nell Salzman, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2025

Just weeks ago, Rundle rebuffed a call from a Miami group of criminal defense attorneys for an outside look at prosecutors’ handling of cases, after two prosecutors were thrown off a high-profile murder case by the judge. —Brittany Wallman, Miami Herald, 2 Jan. 2025

Just avoid adding rotten food to bokashi or worm bin composters because mold can throw off the composting process in indoor composting systems. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1b

Kids Definition

throw off

verb

: to send out : emit

a sparkler throws off sparks