shrug off

verb

shrugged off; shrugging off; shrugs off

transitive verb

1
: to shake off
shrugging off sleep
2
: to brush aside : minimize
shrugs off the problem
3
: to remove (a garment) by wriggling out

Examples of shrug off in a Sentence

an administration that was willing to shrug off the problem she shrugged off her coat and hung it up neatly
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
By admitting that stress and uncertainty are not experiences to feel ashamed of, or something that can be shrugged off or ignored, leaders can foster a greater sense of team solidarity and trust. Adrian Gostick, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 Still, some on Yelp shrugged off the Trump campaign event. Ramishah Maruf, CNN, 22 Oct. 2024 But the company shrugged off the idea of drawing customers like other regular retail companies would: with more discounts. Prarthana Prakash, Fortune Europe, 18 Oct. 2024 Shah shrugged off that line of criticism in an interview. Laura Gersony, The Arizona Republic, 3 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for shrug off 

Word History

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shrug off was in 1902

Dictionary Entries Near shrug off

Cite this Entry

“Shrug off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shrug%20off. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

shrug off

verb
1
: to brush aside as not important
2
: to take off (a garment) by wriggling out
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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