Pronunciation: [dɹˈaɡ ˈɒf] (IPA) 
The word "drag off" is spelled with the phonetic transcription /dræg ɒf/. The first syllable is pronounced with a voiced "d" sound, followed by a "r" pronounced with a flap (similar to the "tt" sound in "butter"). The second part of the word is pronounced with the "o" sound as in "hot" and "f" sound at the end. "Drag off" means to forcefully move an object away from a particular location or situation.
Drag off is a phrasal verb that has multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used. In a general sense, drag off refers to the act of pulling or tugging something forcefully, often causing it to move from one location to another.
One possible meaning of drag off is related to physically moving an object or person against their will. This usage implies forcefully or reluctantly pulling someone away from a particular place or group. For instance, a parent may have to drag their child off the playground when it is time to leave.
In some cases, drag off can also mean removing an item forcefully or abruptly. This definition often applies to situations where an unwanted object or obstacle needs to be forcibly pulled away or detached. For example, a mechanic might need to drag off a stubborn bolt in order to repair a malfunctioning machine.
Furthermore, drag off can be employed as a metaphorical expression, signifying the act of reluctantly detaching oneself from a situation or a person. It implies resisting separation or prolonging an attachment beyond its natural course. For instance, someone might find it difficult to drag themselves off a social media platform due to its addictive nature.
In summary, drag off encompasses various meanings, including forcefully pulling or removing an object or person, as well as metaphorically representing the struggle to detach oneself from a situation or person.
The word "drag off" does not have a specific etymology on its own as it is a combination of two separate words: "drag" and "off". However, we can explore the origins of each word separately.
The verb "drag" can be traced back to the Old English word "dragan", which means "to pull, draw, or drag". It is believed to have originated from the Proto-Germanic word "draganą" and shares a similar root with words in other Germanic languages. Over time, "drag" has retained its meaning of pulling or moving an object along a surface.
The adverb and preposition "off" comes from Middle English "of", which was derived from the Old English "of" or "off". In turn, these words can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic "af" or "aba", meaning "away" or "from".
