Definition

1. Phrasal Verb:
   • To become less angry, excited, or agitated; to calm down: To return to a normal, calm emotional or physical state after being upset, angry, or very active.
   • To become less intense or enthusiastic: To diminish in strength, passion, or interest.
   • To lose romantic or passionate feelings for someone or something: To feel less enamored or infatuated.

Usage Examples

• Literal/Emotional Calming:
  • After their argument, they both went for a walk to cool off.
  • You should cool off for a few minutes before you respond to that email.
• Diminishing Intensity:
  • His interest in the project cooled off after the initial excitement.
  • The political debate is starting to cool off as the election passes.
• Losing Affection:
  • She cooled off towards him after she discovered he had lied.
  • I've cooled off on the idea of buying a new car this year.

Advanced Usage

• "to cool someone/something off": To cause someone or something to become less hot or agitated.
  • A swim in the lake will cool us off.
  • The rain helped to cool off the scorching pavement.

Variants and Related Words

• Cool down (phrasal verb): Very similar in meaning, often used interchangeably, especially regarding physical temperature or post-exercise.
  • It's important to cool down after a vigorous workout.
• Cool (adjective/verb): The base word meaning moderately cold or to make something colder.
• Cooling-off period (noun phrase): A designated time for emotions to subside before making a decision or taking action.
  • The contract includes a 14-day cooling-off period.

Synonyms

• Calm down: To become tranquil or quiet.
• Settle down: To become calm, quiet, or orderly.
• Subside: To become less intense, violent, or severe.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Cool down: See 'Variants and Related Words'.
• Cool it (slang): An imperative meaning to calm down or stop being angry/excited.
  • Hey, man, cool it! There's no need to shout.

Related Idioms

• Take a chill pill (slang, idiomatic): A humorous way to tell someone to relax or calm down.
  • You need to take a chill pill and cool off.

Verb

1. feel less enamoured of something or somebody
2. lose intensity
   • His enthusiasm cooled considerably
3. become quiet or calm, especially after a state of agitation
   • After the fight both men need to cool off.
   • It took a while after the baby was born for things to settle down again.