key off
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To take something as a controlling input datum.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
This logic keys off the user's social security number.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To turn off something (e.g. a car) using a key.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “key off” mean?
To take something as a controlling input datum.
Is “key off” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.