let off
Third Person
lets off
Present Participle
letting off
Past Tense
let off
Past Participle
let off
1
to not punish someone for a wrongdoing, or only give them a light punishment
transitive
- The parent let the child off for breaking a vase, understanding that it was an accident and not a deliberate act of mischief.
- The teacher let the student off with a detention for their prank, considering it a harmless act of mischief.
- The judge let the juvenile offender off with a warning instead of imposing a fine or community service.
- The teacher let the student off for forgetting their homework this time, but warned them of stricter consequences if it happens again.
- The police let the suspect off with a caution instead of arresting them, believing that the offense was minor and unintentional.
2
to cause an explosive weapon to discharge
transitive
- The soldiers let off a barrage of artillery fire during the battle.
- The careless individual let a firecracker off in a crowded area, causing panic and chaos.
- The fireworks technicians let off the pyrotechnics to create a dazzling display for the crowd.
- The hunter let off a rifle shot in the direction of the deer.
3
to allow someone to be excused from a responsibility, obligation, or expectation
transitive
- The teacher let the students off early for the day due to the unexpected snowfall.
- The manager let the employee off from work to attend their child's school play.
- The parent let the child off from their chores for the day as a reward for their good behavior.
- The coach let the athlete off from training due to their recent injury.
- The teacher let the students off due to unforeseen circumstances.