lay off

verb

1. tr, adverb to suspend (workers) from employment with the intention of re-employing them at a later date

   the firm had to lay off 100 men

2. informal.
   intr to leave (a person, thing, or activity) alone

   lay off me, will you!

3. tr, adverb to mark off the boundaries of
4. tr, adverb soccer to pass or deflect (the ball) to a team-mate, esp one in a more advantageous position
5. gambling another term for hedge

noun

1. the act of suspending employees
2. a period of imposed unemployment

Example Sentences

AllHere is now in Chapter 7 bankruptcy, its employees have been laid off, and the company is under the control of a court-appointed bankruptcy trustee, according to the U.S. attorney’s office.

From Los Angeles Times

They worried companies would pass on the extra labor costs to customers through higher product prices, and would try to save money by laying off staff, slashing employee hours and replacing workers with automation.

From Los Angeles Times

But many mines have closed down in recent years and miners have been laid off, contributing to a black market that costs the South African government hundreds of millions of dollars each year.

From BBC

According to multiple lawsuits, Musk's new version of Twitter included laying off 80% of the company's staff and allegedly not paying bills.

From Salon

Ms. Simon noted that presidents do have the authority to lay off workers if there is no money to fund them or their work, but Congress provides that money, not the president.

From New York Times