Phrasal verb
send off
Meanings
to mail or dispatch something so it is sent to another place
to dispatch someone to go somewhere or do something, often urgently
to make a player leave a sports game as a punishment (given a red card, etc.)
Definition
To send off means to mail or dispatch something or someone so it goes to another place.
To send off is to cause something to leave by mail or delivery, or to dispatch someone to do a task. It often suggests the action is quick and the item or person is no longer with you afterward. It can also mean to remove a player from a sports game as a penalty.
Examples
- I sent off the application before the deadline.
- She sent off a quick postcard from the hotel lobby.
- They sent off a technician to check the broken elevator.
- He was sent off for arguing with the referee.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse send off (dispatch or remove) with send out (distribute to many people) or see off (say goodbye at departure).
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.