What are the definitions of “spirit off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Remove someone secretly from a place.
They SPIRITED him OFF before any trouble started.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “spirit off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb spirit off is to remove someone secretly from a place, usually to avoid problems or danger. This phrasal verb is often used when talking about taking someone away without others noticing.
What are the different verb forms of “spirit off”?
| Root Verb | spirit off |
| Third Person Singular Present | spirits off |
| Present Participle | spiriting off |
| Simple Past | spirited off |
| Past Participle | spirited off |
Example
The kidnappers spirited off the child while the parents were distracted.
Example
He spirits off the witness before the police arrive.
Example
They are spiriting off the informant to a safe location.
Example
The magician spirited off his assistant during the performance.
Example
The prisoner was spirited off to a secret location.
What kind of phrasal verb is “spirit off”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“spirit off” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The secret agent spirited off the scientist to a safe house.
Example
The rebels spirited the hostage off before the army could rescue him.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“spirit off” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The secret agent spirited off the scientist to a safe house.
Example
The rebels spirited the hostage off before the army could rescue him.
Good things to know
Does “spirit off” have an informal or formal tone?
Spirit off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal writing or speech, depending on the specific situation.
