throw off

To confuse someone or make it difficult for them to follow or find you.

• That question threw me off.
• He changed cars to throw off the police.
• The strange wording throws off many readers.

How to use it: throw someone off (Her unexpected question threw me off.)

Similar words: confuse, mislead, lose

Common phrases: throw off someone, throw off a pursuer

To make a result, measurement, or calculation wrong.

• One wrong number can throw off the total.
• The extra weight threw off our measurements.
• Did the delay throw off your timing?

How to use it: throw something off (The faulty sensor threw the readings off.)

Similar words: distort, skew, disrupt

Common phrases: throw off results, throw off a calculation

To remove something from yourself or a surface with a sudden, strong movement.

• She threw off her coat.
• He threw off the covers and jumped out of bed.
• Throw off those wet clothes before you catch a cold.

How to use it: throw something off (He threw his wet jacket off.)

Similar words: fling off, cast off

Common phrases: throw off a coat, throw off the covers

To free yourself from something unwanted, such as control, an illness, or a habit.

• I cannot throw off this cold.
• The people finally threw off the dictator’s rule.
• She threw off old habits and began a new life.

How to use it: throw off something (They fought to throw off foreign rule.)

Similar words: shake off, cast off, rid yourself of

Common phrases: throw off oppression, throw off a cold, throw off old habits

To pull clothes off quickly and carelessly.

• He threw off his coat.
• She threw her muddy boots off by the door.
• They threw off their shirts and jumped into the pool.

How to use it: throw off something (He threw off his wet jacket.); throw something off (She threw her coat off and ran upstairs.)

Similar words: take off, remove

Opposites: put on

Common phrases: throw off clothes, throw off a coat

If a horse does this, it makes its rider fall from its back.

• The horse threw off its rider.
• A frightened pony threw me off yesterday.
• Hold the reins firmly so it cannot throw you off.

How to use it: throw someone off (The horse threw its rider off.)

Similar words: unseat, buck off

Common phrases: throw off a rider, throw off someone