To remove something by cutting it with a sharp, forceful stroke
To cut something off completely, usually with one strong hit — like cutting off a branch with an axe
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To remove a body part or appendage by cutting it sharply
"The surgeon had no choice but to chop off the infected finger to stop the spread of gangrene."
He raised his sword and chopped off the serpent's head with a single blow.
— J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit (paraphrased scene — note: verify exact wording in source)
To cut off a part of a plant or tree, such as a branch or limb
"Dad went into the garden and chopped off all the dead branches from the apple tree."
To cut someone's hair short in a quick, decisive way (informal)
"She sat down and told the hairdresser to just chop off all her hair — she wanted a fresh start."
To chop (strike with a blade) something so that it goes off (away from the main body)
To cut something off completely, usually with one strong hit — like cutting off a branch with an axe
Commonly used for cutting limbs (of trees or bodies), hair, or other discrete parts. The object can be placed between 'chop' and 'off' (chop it off) or after 'off' (chop off the branch). Has a slightly violent or dramatic connotation.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "chop off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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