off-ramp

or off·ramp

[ awf-ramp, of- ]

noun

1. an exit lane for traffic from a turnpike or freeway to a street.

off-ramp

noun

1. a short steep one-way road by which traffic can leave a motorway or highway

Word History and Origins

Origin of off-ramp¹

An Americanism dating back to 1950–55

Example Sentences

Following Israel’s killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, American officials including Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris suggested an off-ramp in tensions could be near, but Israel’s latest attack will likely complicate peace efforts.

From Salon

But the one potential off-ramp is if there were major concessions from Iran, a major turnaround in Iranian policy, starting with the nuclear programme but including the support for Hezbollah and Hamas.

From BBC

I can’t imagine it happening, but that would be an off-ramp.

From BBC

In Lebanon, the off-ramp is for a ceasefire and an agreement on new security arrangements in the south.

From BBC

“During September, Reclamation and DWR implemented both required Fall X2 outflow provisions and additional voluntary measures to improve Delta smelt habitat in Suisun Marsh and will now off-ramp the flow requirement in October,” Knecht said in an email to The Times.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• off ramp
• turnoff