What are the definitions of “slough off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Get rid of, dispose.
The government is increasing its powers but is SLOUGHING OFF responsibility for its failures.
- 2Lose or shed outer layers of skin.
Snakes SLOUGH OFF their old skin.
- 3Ignore or trivialize an injury or insult.
He SLOUGHED OFF the pain and continued running.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “slough off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb slough off is to get rid of or dispose of something. It can be used to describe shedding skin, like snakes do, or to talk about getting rid of responsibility or unwanted things.
What are the different verb forms of “slough off”?
| Root Verb | slough off |
| Third Person Singular Present | sloughs off |
| Present Participle | sloughing off |
| Simple Past | sloughed off |
| Past Participle | sloughed off |
Example
The company decided to slough off its unprofitable divisions.
Example
She sloughs off her worries and focuses on the task at hand.
Example
The snake is sloughing off its old skin.
Example
He sloughed off the criticism and continued working.
Example
The old paint had sloughed off the walls over time.
What kind of phrasal verb is “slough off”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“slough off” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The snake sloughed off its old skin.
Example
She sloughed off her responsibilities onto her assistant.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“slough off” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The snake sloughed off its old skin.
Example
She sloughed off her responsibilities onto her assistant.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “slough off”?
Slough off dead skin
The process of shedding or removing dead skin cells from the body.
Example
Exfoliating helps to slough off dead skin and reveal a smoother complexion.
Slough off responsibility
To avoid or get rid of responsibility for something.
Example
The manager sloughed off responsibility for the project's failure onto his team.
Slough off an insult
To ignore or not be affected by an insult or criticism.
Example
She sloughed off the rude comment and continued with her presentation.
Good things to know
Does “slough off” have an informal or formal tone?
Slough off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal writing or discussions, depending on the specific context.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “slough off”?
Synonyms
- discard
- shed
- cast off
- dispose of
- get rid of
- ignore
- brush off
- shrug off
Antonyms
- accept
- acknowledge
- address
- embrace
- hold onto
- retain
- keep
- maintain
