pick off

[pik-awf, -of] / ˈpɪkˌɔf, -ˌɒf /

VERB

shoot

Synonyms

STRONGEST

blast execute explode fire hit hurl kill launch murder open fire

STRONG

bag barrage bombard catapult dispatch emit expel fling gun ignite loose plug pop project propel pump torpedo trigger zap

WEAK

bring down drop the hammer let fly let go with open up pull the trigger set off throw lead

Antonyms

STRONGEST

bear create fail

STRONG

conceal hold keep withhold

WEAK

backfire walk

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Navy decommissioned its last battleship in 1992, after the military recognized that battleships had become sitting ducks, vulnerable to modern military munitions that could pick off the vessel from the sky.

From Salon • May 8, 2026

Interceptors that cost $100,000 pick off $500 drones.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 28, 2025

BigBear can certainly pick off smaller, more specialized government contracts, however, and even has a partnership with Palantir.

From Barron's • Nov. 11, 2025

Both Luus and Wolvaardt batted with intent, the former sweeping for fun and the captain using her exquisite timing to pick off boundaries.

From BBC • Oct. 21, 2025

By repeating this move, I was able to pick off his extra lives, one by one.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline

pick off

Example Sentences

Related Words