as in to repel
to drive back
the defense managed to beat off those offensive players who were taking shots at the goalie
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Recent Examples of beat off
On this play, Tegra Tshabola got beat off the ball, forcing Donaldson to take a different hole before running into a defender who center Carson Hinzman was on until the hole shifted.
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Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
Chip Somodevilla/Pool Photo via AP What To Know Obama beat off stiff competition from the likes of David Attenborough and Tom Hanks to win the Outstanding Narrator prize for his narration of the five-part Netflix series Our Oceans, which examines marine life across the world's oceans.
—Daniel Orton, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
In 2024, it was given to Netflix France series Class Act, which beat off competition from huge hits like The Bear, Beef and Succession.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2025
Breathing problems which sent my heart beat off the charts.
—David Velasco, Harpers Magazine, 18 Dec. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beat off
Verb
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In the first episode, the recruits wasted no time in repelling from a helicopter hovering in the air.—
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The devices can be plugged into outlets near possible access points to repel rats from entering.—
Verb
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Criminal court records reviewed by PEOPLE show the 35-year-old faces charges of public intoxication, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and a false report.—
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But previous presidents have resisted the temptation to exploit them, and the law has served as a powerful norm notwithstanding its weaknesses.—
Verb
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Students from the kingdom are increasingly turning away from US universities in particular, put off by a mix of hostile immigration policies, concerns over gun violence, and the kingdom’s own push to grow its domestic education sector.—
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There was Skubal, the best pitcher in the American League, inexplicably trying to flip the ball between his legs, back turned away from first.—
Verb
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While not touted as an anti-aging serum, the cream’s ability to plump up tired-appearing skin can help turn back the clock.—
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But is there a way to turn back?—
Verb
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Jackson was repulsed at the idea of the film being shown to the public, as was Zapruder, who quickly settled again with Time-Life.—
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At almost the same time, the Grenadian Army repulsed special operations forces sent to capture Richmond Hill Prison and Fort Rupert.—
Verb
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The new era of Survivor goes hard and fast, and the best way to stave off Jeff Probst’s itchy torch snuffer?—
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The dialogue represents a significant chance for Democrats and the White House, after weeks of talking past each other, to reconcile their differences and stave off a shutdown.—
Cite this Entry
“Beat off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beat%20off. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
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