Pronunciation: /pɪk ɔf/

Definitions of pick off

verb to remove or take away something by plucking or pulling it off

Example Sentences

A1 The cat tried to pick off the bird from the tree.

A2 I watched as the baseball player tried to pick off the runner at first base.

B1 The sniper was able to pick off the enemy soldiers from a distance.

B2 The detective was able to pick off the suspects one by one during the investigation.

C1 The expert marksman was able to pick off targets with incredible accuracy.

C2 The hacker was able to pick off sensitive information from the company's database.

adverb in a manner that involves removing or taking away something by plucking or pulling it off

Example Sentences

A1 The bird tried to pick off insects from the tree.

A2 She managed to pick off a few grapes from the vine.

B1 The sniper was able to pick off enemy soldiers from a distance.

B2 The baseball player was skilled at picking off runners trying to steal bases.

C1 The hacker was able to pick off sensitive information from the company's database.

C2 The spy was able to pick off key members of the opposing organization with precision.

Examples of pick off in a Sentence

formal The sniper was able to pick off enemy soldiers from a great distance.

informal I saw the quarterback pick off the opposing team's pass.

slang The detective was able to pick off the suspect during the stakeout.

figurative The team was able to pick off key players from the competition, securing their victory.

Grammatical Forms of pick off

past tense

picked off

plural

pick offs

comparative

more picked off

superlative

most picked off

present tense

picks off

future tense

will pick off

perfect tense

have picked off

continuous tense

is picking off

singular

pick off

positive degree

pick off

infinitive

to pick off

gerund

picking off

participle

picked off

Origin and Evolution of pick off

First Known Use: 1889 year
Language of Origin: English
Story behind the word: The term 'pick off' originated from the game of baseball, specifically referring to a fielder throwing out a baserunner by catching them off base.
Evolution of the word: Originally used in the context of baseball, 'pick off' has evolved to also mean to select or eliminate one by one, often in a strategic or systematic manner.