Definition of throw off

The origin of the phrase "throw off" can be traced back to the Old English word "θrywan," meaning "to push away" or "to cast off." This word evolved in Middle English to "throwen" or "throwe," with the same meaning. In the context of ships and boats, "throw off" first appeared in the late 16th century to describe the action of disembarking from a vessel or releasing an anchor, which was done by throwing the object overboard. It was also used to describe abandoning or shaking off an obstacle, such as shaking off a pursuer or shedding heavy clothing. Over time, the meaning of "throw off" has broadened to include shrugging off or dismissing an idea or responsibility, as well as moving or throwing something with force or violence. Today, it is a versatile idiom with a variety of meanings, but its roots in the nautical world remain apparent in expressions like "cast off" and "heave off."