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to lay off
[phrase form: lay]
01
to dismiss employees due to financial difficulties or reduced workload
Transitive: to lay off employees
Examples
The company laid off 10 % of its workforce due to financial losses.
The factory laid off 50 workers after installing new automated machinery.
02
to stop doing something
Transitive: to lay off sth | to lay off doing sth
Examples
She had to lay off her late-night work schedule to improve her sleep.
After years of smoking, she finally laid off the habit for her health.
03
to refrain from bothering or harassing someone
Transitive: to lay off sb
Examples
The bully laid off the smaller child after he started to cry.
I 'm telling you to lay off me, or I'm going to call the police.
