go off

What does "go off" mean?

1. To explode or fire (bomb, gun, fireworks)
2. To make a sudden loud noise (alarm, timer)
3. To stop working or functioning (electricity, heating)
4. To become bad or spoiled (food)
5. To leave suddenly

Examples

• The alarm went off at 6 AM and woke everyone up.
• The bomb went off in an empty building, fortunately.
• The milk has gone off—it smells terrible.
• The power went off during the storm last night.
• She went off without saying goodbye to anyone.

How to use it

Context is key for this phrasal verb—it has many different meanings. In British English, 'go off' can also mean to stop liking something.

Similar expressions

Opposites

Related phrasal verbs

• go on

  To continue doing something or happening

• go out

  To leave your home for social activities or entertainment

• go through

  To experience something difficult or unpleasant

• go ahead

  To proceed with something; to start or continue an action

• go back

  To return to a place

• go away

  To leave a place or person