go off

Formsgoes off, going off, went off, gone off

1. 1
   explode (bomb)phrasal verbintransitive

   To blow up, like a bomb or fireworks.

   The fireworks went off over the lake at nine o'clock.

   Workers found an old bomb in the field, but luckily it didn't go off.

   Similarexplode, detonate

2. 2
   ring (alarm)phrasal verbintransitive

   To start ringing or making a loud noise, like an alarm.

   My alarm goes off at six thirty every morning.

   The smoke alarm went off when I burned the toast.

   Similarsound, ring

   Note
3. 3
   lose controlphrasal verbfigurativelyintransitive

   To suddenly get very angry or very excited.

   Dad went off when he saw the big scratch on his car.

   Don't touch his records, or he'll go off.

   Similarexplode, erupt, snap

4. 4
   fire (gun)phrasal verbintransitive

   For a gun, to fire, especially by mistake.

   The rifle went off while he was cleaning it.

   Never point a gun at anyone, even if you think it can't go off.

   Similarfire, discharge

5. 5
   shut downphrasal verbintransitive

   To stop working or turn off.

   The lights went off during the storm.

   The heat goes off by itself at midnight.

   Similarstop

6. 6
   take placephrasal verbintransitive

   To happen or take place.

   The wedding went off without any problems.

   Did the school play go off well?

   Similarproceed, happen

   Note
7. 7
   rantphrasal verbslangintransitive

   To complain or talk angrily for a long time, or to say mean things about someone.

   My aunt went off about the traffic for the whole drive.

   Don't get him started on his landlord, or he'll go off for an hour.

   Similarrant

   Note
8. 8
   judge byphrasal verbtransitive

   To judge or guess something from what you know or have seen.

   Going off his smile, I think he got the job.

   I'm just going off what the map says.

   Note
9. 9
   leavephrasal verbintransitive

   To leave a place or go away.

   She went off to college in the fall.

   Don't go off without saying goodbye.

   Similarleave, depart

   Note
10. 10
    spoilphrasal verbAustraliaCanadaUKintransitive

    To go bad and stop being good to eat, or to stop being usable.

    Put the milk back in the fridge or it'll go off.

    This yoghurt smells like it's gone off.

    Similarspoil

    Note

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