lay off

/lˈeɪ ˈɒf/

/lˈeɪ ˈɔf/

to lay off

MAIN VERB

[phrase form: lay]

to let go of workers due to financial deficit or because there is not enough work for them to do

synonyms : furlough

to stop doing an activity

synonyms : cease

antonyms : continue

to refrain from bothering or harassing someone

Examples

1. I haven't lost my job yet, but the writing is on the wall: my company just laid off 50 more people today.

2. The government turned its back to the thousands of employees laid off during the financial crisis.

3. She had a great job with a supportive team, but eventually the company downsized and she was laid off.

4. The company was determined to increase profits by hook or by crook, even if it meant laying off some employees.