1 B2 idiomatic neutral
To leave hurriedly, typically to avoid capture or consequences after wrongdoing.
"The pickpocket grabbed the wallet and made off before anyone could react."
inseparable
make off
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
To leave quickly, especially after doing something wrong or to avoid being caught.
In plain English
Run away fast, usually after doing something bad.
What does "make off" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To depart suddenly and without explanation.
"He made off without saying goodbye to anyone at the party."
inseparable
Usage tip
Often used in news reports, crime narratives, and formal writing. Almost always implies guilt or wrongdoing. Frequently followed by 'with' to indicate what was taken.
Words that pair with "make off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
quickly hastily into the night on foot in a car before police arrived
How to conjugate "make off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
make off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
makes off
he/she/it
Past simple
made off
yesterday
Past participle
made off
have + pp
-ing form
making off
continuous
Hear "make off" in the wild
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Other ways to say "make off"
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