The phrasal verb "make off" means to leave quickly and hurriedly. Its spelling can be a bit confusing, as the two words are often pronounced together as if they were one. In IPA phonetic transcription, "make off" is pronounced /meɪk ɒf/. The stress falls on the first syllable, and the final "e" in "make" is pronounced as a schwa sound, which is represented by the symbol ə. This may help you remember that "make off" is two separate words rather than one.
Make off is a phrasal verb that has several meanings depending on the context. One meaning of make off is to leave quickly or hurriedly, typically in order to escape from someone or something. It implies a hasty departure with the intention of avoiding capture or detection. For example, "The thief made off with the valuable jewelry before the police arrived." In this sense, the term suggests a sudden escape or getaway, often involving stolen goods or illegal activities.
Additionally, make off can also mean to obtain or take something quickly or stealthily. It implies a swift acquisition of an item or resource, often with an element of secrecy or clandestine action. For instance, "The kids made off with all the cookies from the kitchen." In this case, it conveys the idea of snatching or grabbing something without permission.
Overall, make off denotes a rapid departure or acquisition, often under circumstances that involve secrecy, stealth, or illegal activities. It encapsulates the idea of swiftly escaping or obtaining something, with an element of hurriedness and the intention to avoid detection, capture, or permission.
The phrase "make off" dates back to the 14th century and its etymology can be analyzed by examining its individual components.
The word "make" originated from the Middle English term "maken", which was derived from the Old English word "macian". This Old English word has Germanic roots and can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "makōną".
The term "off" is derived from the Old English word "of", which had a similar meaning as the modern usage. It is related to the Old High German word "ab", which also meant "away".
When combined, "make off" refers to the act of departing or leaving quickly, often in a swift or hurried manner. Over time, the phrase has come to be specifically associated with leaving a place or situation in haste or escaping from a circumstance.