make off

verb

made off; making off; makes off

Synonyms of make off next

next

intransitive verb

: to leave in haste

Phrases

make off with

: to take away

especially : grab, steal

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1680, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of make off was circa 1680

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Make off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/make%20off. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster

Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

collaborate

Listen to the pronunciation of collaborate

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples

Popular in Wordplay

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)

Popular

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories