sell-off

[ sel-awf, -of ]

noun

1. Stock Exchange. a sudden and marked decline in stock or bond prices resulting from widespread selling.
2. an act or instance of liquidating assets or subsidiaries, as by divestiture.

sell off

verb

1. tr, adverb to sell (remaining or unprofitable items), esp at low prices

Word History and Origins

Origin of sell-off¹

First recorded in 1935–40; noun use of verb phrase sell off

Idioms and Phrases

Get rid of by selling, often at reduced prices. For example, The jeweler was eager to sell off the last of the diamond rings . [c. 1700] Also see sell out , def. 1.

Example Sentences

When Archegos was unable to repay its lenders, it prompted a mass sell-off of stocks and the fund quickly collapsed in less than a week, making it one of the largest hedge fund collapses since the 2008 financial crisis.

From BBC

The claims, which Mr Adani denied, prompted a major market sell-off.

From BBC

The news prompted a sell-off across the industry.

From BBC

This sell-off comes after Harris managed to raise more than $1 billion for her four-month campaign.

From Slate

Regulators have appeared unswayed that the proposed sell-off, valued at $2.9 billion, would meaningfully change the level of competition in grocery industry.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• sell-off