Definition

1. Verb:
   • To get rid of something unwanted: To free oneself from something that is burdensome, restrictive, or undesirable.
   • To remove hastily: To take off or discard something, especially clothing, quickly.

Usage

• The verb "throw off" is a separable phrasal verb. The object (what is being removed) can be placed between "throw" and "off" or after "off."
  • Correct: He threw off his jacket. / He threw his jacket off.
  • Correct: She threw off the feeling of doubt.
• It often implies a quick, decisive, or forceful action to remove or escape something.

Examples

• To get rid of something (abstract):
  • After a week of rest, she finally threw off the lingering cold.
  • The company is trying to throw off its outdated reputation.
• To remove something (physical):
  • He threw off the heavy blankets because the room was too warm.
  • The dog threw off its leash and ran into the park.

Advanced Usage

• "to throw off one's pursuers": To escape from someone who is chasing you.
  • The spy made a sudden turn to throw off his pursuers.
• "to throw off the balance": To cause someone or something to become unsteady or unstable.
  • The sudden noise threw off my concentration during the exam.

Variants and Related Words

• Shed (verb): To allow something to fall off; to get rid of. Often used for natural processes (e.g., leaves, skin) or abstract qualities.
  • The snake sheds its skin. / He shed his shyness.
• Cast off (phrasal verb): To discard or get rid of. Common in nautical contexts (releasing a boat) or knitting.
  • The sailor cast off the rope. / She cast off her old worries.

Synonyms

• Discard: To get rid of something no longer useful or desirable.
• Shake off: To free oneself from something, especially something persistent.
• Escape: To break free from confinement or control.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Throw out: To discard something as trash; to expel someone.
  • We need to throw out these old magazines.
• Throw away: Similar to "throw out," meaning to discard.
  • Don't throw away this opportunity.

Related Idioms

• Throw off the scent/trail: To mislead or confuse someone who is trying to find or follow you.
  • The fugitive doubled back to throw the police off the trail.
• Throw off one's game: To disrupt someone's performance or focus.
  • The heckler in the audience threw the comedian off his game.

Verb

1. get rid of
   • I couldn't shake the car that was following me
2. get rid of
   • he shed his image as a pushy boss
   • shed your clothes