Definition of Go off

1. Verb. Run away; usually includes taking something or somebody along. "The accountant absconded with the cash from the safe"

Exact synonyms: Abscond, Absquatulate, Bolt, Decamp, Make Off, Run Off
Specialized synonyms: Levant
Generic synonyms: Flee, Fly, Take Flight
Derivative terms: Absconder, Abscondment, Bolt, Decampment

2. Verb. Be discharged or activated. "The explosive devices went off"
Generic synonyms: Burst, Explode

3. Verb. Go off or discharge. "The gun fired"
Exact synonyms: Discharge, Fire
Derivative terms: Discharge, Fire

4. Verb. Stop running, functioning, or operating. "Our power went off during the hurricane"
Generic synonyms: Halt, Stop
Antonyms: Go On

5. Verb. Happen in a particular manner. "How did your talk go over?"
Exact synonyms: Come Off, Go Over
Generic synonyms: Come About, Fall Out, Go On, Hap, Happen, Occur, Pass, Pass Off, Take Place

6. Verb. Burst inward. "The bottle imploded"
Exact synonyms: Implode
Generic synonyms: Break, Cave In, Collapse, Fall In, Founder, Give, Give Way
Antonyms: Explode
Derivative terms: Implosion, Implosion

Definition of Go off

1. Verb. (intransitive) To explode. ¹

2. Verb. (intransitive) To explode metaphorically; to become very angry. ¹

3. Verb. (intransitive) To begin clanging or making noise. ¹

4. Verb. (intransitive) To depart; to leave. ¹

5. Verb. (intransitive UK) To putrefy or become inedible, or to become unusable in any way. ¹

6. Verb. (transitive) To like less. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Lexicographical Neighbors of Go Off

go in off
go in one ear and out the other
go in with
go into
go into one's shells
go it alone
go jump in the lake
go kaflooey
go large
go mad
go moggy
go native
go nowhere
go nuts
go off (current term)
go off at half-cock
go off at score
go off half-cocked
go off into the weeds
go off on one
go off the boil
go off the reservation
go on
go out
go out like a light
go out of one's way
go out on a limb
go out the window
go over

Literary usage of Go off

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare (1912)
"... who go off through the single file made by the crowd; soldiers going first, then follow Calpurnia, Portia, and other women, and other senators following ..."

2. Suomalais-englantilainen sanakirja by Severi Alanne (1919)
"... Start (out): — matkaansa (menna) go away, go off, leave, be (1. make) off; — matkalle set out (1. set off I. start) on a Journey (1. on the trip), ..."

3. A Complete Collection of State Trials and Proceedings for High Treason and ...by Thomas Bayly Howell, William Cobbett, David Jardine by Thomas Bayly Howell, William Cobbett, David Jardine (1816)
"Did you hear a pistol go off?—Yes. How long had Mr. Johnson been in my lord's room before you heard the report of the pistol ?—May-be about half an hour. ..."

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