Phrase guide

bite off

verb · 4 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • Received-Pronunciation: /ˈbaɪˌtɒf/
  • Received-Pronunciation: /ˈbaɪˌtɔːf/
  • Australia: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To bite so hard as to remove something from its source.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To accept or commit oneself to a task, project, notion, or responsibility, especially one which presents challenges.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, sometimes, transitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To acquire, especially in an abrupt or forceful manner.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, transitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

bite off with a quick bite

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • The dog snapped off a piece of cloth from the intruder's pants

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: snap at

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: bite, seize with teeth

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

8 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Afrikaans: afbyt — To remove by biting
  • German: abbeißen — To remove by biting
  • Latin: demordere — To remove by biting
  • French: se dévouer — To accept or commit oneself to a task, project, notion, or responsibility
  • French: se casser le cul — To accept or commit oneself to a task, project, notion, or responsibility
  • French: se décarcasser — To accept or commit oneself to a task, project, notion, or responsibility
  • French: saisir — To acquire, especially in an abrupt or forceful manner
  • French: s'emparer — To acquire, especially in an abrupt or forceful manner