blowoff

[ bloh-awf, -of ]

/ ˈbloʊˌɔf, -ˌɒf /

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See synonyms for blowoff on Thesaurus.com

noun

a current of escaping surplus steam, water, etc.: The safety valve released a violent blowoff from the furnace.

a device that permits and channels such a current.

Slang. a person who brags or boasts; a blow-hard.

a temporary, sudden surge, as in prices: The Federal Reserve Board's credit tightening could cause a blowoff in interest rates.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of blowoff

First recorded in 1830–40; noun use of verb phrase blow off

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use blowoff in a sentence

This is a blow against freedom of speech, we were told, by the likes of Homeland Security chief Jeh Johnson.
Politicians Only Love Journalists When They're Dead|Luke O’Neil|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Although the blood-spattered offices will be off-limits, staff have vowed to continue producing the magazine.
France Mourns—and Hunts|Nico Hines, Christopher Dickey|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
A passing off-duty school safety officer named Fred Lucas said that he had been told the man was a drug dealer.
Shot Down During the NYPD Slowdown|Michael Daly|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Liberal Democrats like to blow their bugles about how all the big money in politics comes from rich Republicans.
The 100 Rich People Who Run America|Mark McKinnon|January 5, 2015|DAILY BEAST

On Friday, the story had looked like it might blow over as Buckingham Palace sought to dismiss it as a “civil case.”
Buckingham Palace Disputes Sex Allegations Against Prince ‘Randy Andy’|Tom Sykes|January 4, 2015|DAILY BEAST
It was like his beautiful courtesy to call me in and introduce me to Blow instead of letting me go away.
Music-Study in Germany|Amy Fay
A far-off volley rumbled over the plain, and a few birds stirred uneasily among the trees.
The Red Year|Louis Tracy
He who has attained it grows giddy, and the fiercest winds are summoned to blow him from his eminence.
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4|Jane Porter
Upon his knees then, he lingered, while I rained blow after blow upon his upturned face.
The Homesteader|Oscar Micheaux
At his sight shall the mountains be shaken, and at his will the south wind shall blow.
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version|Various

British Dictionary definitions for blowoff

blow off

verb (adverb)

to permit (a gas under pressure, esp steam) to be released

(intr) British slang to emit wind noisily from the anus

(tr) informal to reject or jilt (someone)

blow off steam See steam (def. 6)

noun blow-off

a discharge of a surplus fluid, such as steam, under pressure

a device through which such a discharge is made

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Idioms and Phrases with blowoff

blow off

Vent one's strong feelings; see blow off steam.

Disregard, ignore; evade something important. For example, If you blow off your homework, you're bound to run into trouble on the exam. [Slang; second half of 1900s]

Overcome, defeat easily, as in With Rob pitching, we'll have no trouble blowing off the opposing team. [Slang; 1950s] Also see blow away, def. 2.

Ignore, abandon, refuse to take part. For example, The college is blowing off our request for a new student center. [Slang; mid-1900s]