go off

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Word: Go Off

Basic Definition: "Go off" is a phrasal verb in English that can have several meanings depending on the context in which it is used.

Meanings and Usage:

1. To Stop Functioning:

   • Meaning: When something (like a machine or power) stops working.
   • Example: "The lights went off during the storm."
   • Usage: Often used when talking about electricity or devices that unexpectedly stop working.

2. To Explode or Discharge:

   • Meaning: To explode or to fire, such as a bomb or a gun.
   • Example: "The fireworks went off at midnight."
   • Usage: Commonly used when referring to explosives or weapons.

3. To Depart Quickly:

   • Meaning: To leave a place suddenly, often with something or someone.
   • Example: "The thief went off with my backpack."
   • Usage: Used when someone runs away, usually with something valuable.

4. To Happen or Occur:

   • Meaning: To occur in a specific way.
   • Example: "How did the meeting go off?"
   • Usage: Used when asking about the outcome of an event or situation.

Advanced Usage:

• Idiomatic Expressions:

  • "Go off the deep end": To become very angry or irrational.
  • "Go off on a tangent": To suddenly start talking about a different subject.

• Phrasal Variants:

  • "Go off with": To leave with something or someone.
  • "Go off at someone": To yell or criticize someone angrily.

Synonyms:

• For stopping functioning: "shut down," "turn off."
• For exploding: "explode," "detonate."
• For leaving quickly: "run away," "escape."
• For happening: "occur," "take place."

Word Variants:

• "Going off" (present continuous): Used to describe something that is currently happening.
  • Example: "The alarm is going off."
• "Went off" (past tense): Describes something that has already happened.
  • Example: "The bomb went off last night."

Different Meanings:

• The meaning of "go off" can vary significantly based on context, so it’s important to understand the surrounding words to grasp its intended meaning.

Summary:

"Go off" is a versatile phrasal verb that can mean to stop functioning, to explode, to leave quickly, or to happen in a certain way.

Academic

Verb

1. burst inward
   • The bottle imploded
2. happen in a particular manner
   • how did your talk go over?
3. stop running, functioning, or operating
   • Our power went off during the hurricane
4. go off or discharge
   • The gun fired
5. be discharged or activated
   • the explosive devices went off
6. run away; usually includes taking something or somebody along
   • The thief made off with our silver
   • the accountant absconded with the cash from the safe

Synonyms

• implode
• come off
• go over
• fire
• discharge
• abscond
• bolt
• absquatulate
• decamp
• run off
• make off