take-off

The airplane begins its take-off from the runway.

Definition

1. Noun:

   • A departure from the ground: "take-off" refers to the act or process of leaving the ground, especially for an aircraft or a bird beginning flight.
   • An imitation or parody: "take-off" also means a humorous or satirical imitation of someone or something, often for entertainment.
   • A starting point or leap: In sports (e.g., jumping), "take-off" denotes the point at which a person or animal pushes off the ground to begin a jump.

2. Verb (as a phrasal verb "take off"):

   • To leave the ground: To begin flight, as an aircraft or bird.
   • To remove something: To remove clothing or an object from a surface.
   • To become successful or popular: To suddenly increase in popularity or success.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The airplane's take-off was smooth despite the strong wind. (The act of lifting off the ground.)
  • His impression of the president was a brilliant take-off on his mannerisms. (A humorous imitation.)

• Verb (phrasal verb):

  • The plane will take off at noon. (To begin flight.)
  • Please take off your shoes before entering the house. (To remove shoes.)
  • Her career really took off after the award. (Became very successful.)

Advanced Usage

• "take-off point": The specific location where a jump or flight begins.

  • The ski jumper reached the take-off point at high speed. (The moment of pushing off.)

• "take-off speed": The velocity required for an aircraft or object to lift off.

  • The pilot accelerated to take-off speed before rotating the nose. (The necessary speed for flight.)

Variants and Related Words

• Takeoff (n, alternative spelling): Same as "take-off"; commonly used in aviation contexts.

  • The takeoff was delayed due to fog. (The departure from the ground.)

• Takeoff (adj): Relating to the act of taking off.

  • The takeoff roll on the runway was long. (The phase of acceleration before lift.)

Synonyms

• Departure: The act of leaving, especially by aircraft.
• Parody: A humorous imitation of a style or person.
• Liftoff: The moment a rocket or aircraft leaves the ground.

Phrasal Verbs

• Take off: To leave the ground; to remove; to become successful.
  • The bird took off from the branch. (Began flying.)
  • He took off his jacket. (Removed it.)

Related Idioms

• "Take off like a rocket": To start very quickly or successfully.

  • The new product took off like a rocket, selling out in days. (Became extremely popular rapidly.)

• "Take off the gloves": To begin acting aggressively or without restraint.

  • The politician took off the gloves during the debate. (Stopped being polite.)