1 B2 idiomatic informal
To dismiss a worry, awkward moment, or problem by responding with laughter.
"He laughed away his nervousness with a couple of self-deprecating jokes."
separable
laugh away
B2 informal separable transitive/intransitive
To dismiss or dispel something (worry, tension, a problem) by laughing; or to spend time laughing cheerfully.
In plain English
To laugh at a problem or worry so that it stops feeling serious; or to spend time laughing and having fun.
What does "laugh away" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 informal
To spend time laughing happily and continuously.
"The cousins laughed away the entire afternoon, sharing old family stories."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To send something 'away' through laughter — as if laughter propels the problem out of sight.
Actually means
To laugh at a problem or worry so that it stops feeling serious; or to spend time laughing and having fun.
Usage tip
Less common than 'laugh off'. The dismissive sense (laugh away a problem) is slightly more literary. The durational sense (laughing away the afternoon) is also found. Both senses convey a light, positive energy.
Words that pair with "laugh away"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
worries fears tension afternoon evening awkwardness
How to conjugate "laugh away"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
laugh away
I/you/we/they
3rd person
laughs away
he/she/it
Past simple
laughed away
yesterday
Past participle
laughed away
have + pp
-ing form
laughing away
continuous
Hear "laugh away" in the wild
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