go off

If an alarm or bell does this, it starts making a warning sound.

• My alarm goes off at seven.
• The smoke alarm went off during dinner.
• Why does that bell keep going off?

Similar words: sound, ring

Common phrases: go off early, go off repeatedly, go off loudly

If a bomb or similar object does this, it explodes.

• The bomb could go off.
• Fireworks went off above the river.
• The device went off before anyone could leave the building.

Similar words: explode, detonate

Common phrases: go off suddenly, go off nearby, go off accidentally

If a light, machine, or power supply does this, it stops working.

• The lights went off.
• Our heating went off during the night.
• The power keeps going off whenever there is a storm.

Similar words: switch off, shut off, stop

Opposites: come on

Common phrases: go off suddenly, go off overnight, go off briefly

To leave a place, often to do something elsewhere.

• He went off without me.
• They have gone off to the park.
• Shall we go off and find somewhere to eat?

How to use it: go off to somewhere (They went off to the beach.); go off to do something (She went off to buy bread.)

Similar words: leave, depart, set off

Opposites: arrive

Common phrases: go off alone, go off together, go off shopping

If a gun does this, it fires a bullet, often by accident.

• His gun went off.
• The pistol went off while he was cleaning it.
• Could this rifle go off if someone dropped it?

Similar words: fire, discharge

Common phrases: go off accidentally, go off unexpectedly, go off suddenly

To suddenly become very angry or excited.

• He went off when he heard the news.
• She went off on me for being late.
• The fans went off when their team scored again.

How to use it: go off on someone (He went off on his brother for losing the keys.)

Similar words: lose it, blow up, lose your temper

Opposites: calm down

Common phrases: go off suddenly, go off again, go off shouting