English · Daily Life
go off
/ɡəʊ ɒf/
[/ɡəʊ ɒf/]
explode; sound; spoil
Intermediateverb
Definition
To explode or sound suddenly, or for food to become rotten.
Example
The alarm went off at six, but I was so tired I slept right through it.
The alarm went off at six, but I was so tired I slept right through it.
Etymology
From 'go' plus 'off', the explosive sense from firearms discharging.
How & Where It’s Used
Common across senses: alarms, bombs, and (British) milk going off meaning spoiling.