Lay-off definition

(idiomatic) To cease, quit, stop (doing something).

Lay off the singing, will you! I'm trying to study.

When are you gonna lay off smoking?

verb

(of an employer) To dismiss (workers) from employment, e.g. at a time of low business volume, often with a severance package.

verb

(of a bookmaker) To place all or part of a bet with another bookmaker in order to reduce risk.

verb

(intransitive, idiomatic) To stop bothering, annoying, teasing, pestering, pressuring, being aggressive with, or hovering over someone; to leave (someone) alone.

Just lay off, okay! I've had enough!

Things have been better since the boss has been laying off a little.

I told him to lay off me but he wouldn't stop.

Lay off it, already!

verb

Alternative spelling of layoff.

noun

Other Word Forms

Singular:

lay-off

Plural:

lay-offs