Definition of drive off

The phrase "drive off" is a phrasal verb that combines the meanings of the words "drive" and "off" to create a new meaning. The word "drive" in this context refers to operating a motor vehicle, while "off" signifies leaving a particular location. The first recorded use of the expression "drive off" can be traced back to the late 19th century, during the heydays of horse-drawn carriages and the advent of motorized vehicles. At that time, "drive" only referred to operating horse carriages, and "drive off" meant leaving or departing on a horse carriage. As the automobile gained popularity, the word "drive" began to also refer to operating a motor vehicle, and eventually, "drive off" was used to mean leaving a place in a car as well. The phrase gained widespread usage in the United States during the 1920s, coinciding with the growth of the automobile industry and the proliferation of petrol stations. The expression has since become a ubiquitous part of the English lexicon, and is used in various contexts, such as describing the act of leaving a parking lot, garage, or other place. The versatility and popularity of the phrase "drive off" have led to its inclusion in many idiomatic expressions, such as "drive off into the sunset" or "drive someone off."