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to go off
[phrase form: go]
01
(of a gun, bomb, etc.) to be fired or to explode
Intransitive
Example
The fireworks are scheduled to go off at midnight for the New Year's celebration.
The gun accidentally went off when it was dropped on the floor.
02
to run away or leave abruptly, especially to avoid an unpleasant situation or person
Intransitive
Example
The deer sensed danger and went off into the woods to escape from the approaching hunters.
She went off after hearing her ex-boyfriend's name.
03
to be activated and start functioning
Intransitive
Example
The car 's airbag went off upon impact, protecting the driver.
The sprinkler went off when the temperature in the greenhouse rose too high.
04
to take place or occur in a particular way or manner
Intransitive: to go off in a specific manner
Example
The party went off without a hitch, and everyone had a great time.
The business meeting went off smoothly, and important decisions were made.
05
to stop working or functioning
Intransitive
Example
The power went off during the storm, leaving us in the dark.
The lights went off when the power went out.
06
to experience a loss of interest or liking towards someone or something
Dialect
British
BritishTransitive: to go off sb/sth
Example
Jenny went off her ex-boyfriend when she discovered he had been dishonest with her.
The children went off the idea of going to the amusement park after seeing the long lines and high prices.
07
(of food and drinks) to become spoiled or rotten and no longer be safe to consume
Intransitive
Example
The milk went off because I left it out of the refrigerator for too long, and it started to smell sour.
I accidentally left the bread on the counter, and it went off, becoming stale and inedible.
08
(of alarms) to start making a lot of noise as a warning or signal
Intransitive
Example
My alarm clock goes off at 6:00 AM sharp every morning.
The smoke detector went off while I was cooking, so I opened a window to let the smoke out.
09
to decline in condition or quality
Intransitive
Example
The once beautiful garden has gone off due to neglect, with overgrown weeds and dying plants.
The relationship between the two friends went off when they had a falling out over a misunderstanding.
10
to depart from a place, usually for a specific purpose or activity
Intransitive: to go off | to go off somewhere
Example
He went off to buy some groceries.
She often goes off to take a break when work gets too hectic.
11
to enter a state of sleep
Intransitive
Example
The baby finally went off after a lullaby and some rocking in the crib.
He typically goes off around 10 p.m. to get a good night's rest.
12
to express one's anger or irritation toward the person who caused it
Intransitive: to go off on sb
Example
When I mentioned his mistake, he went off on me, shouting and pointing fingers.
She can be very calm, but when you touch her belongings, she 'll go off on you.
