tell off

Definitions

1. 1

   To number off (a group of soldiers)

   To number off (a group of soldiers); to divide up (soldiers) in this way.

   • To equalize a battalion is to tell off a certain number of companies, usually eight, in such a manner that the several component parts shall consist of the same number of men.
2. 2

   To assign (someone) to a particular task, duty etc.

   To assign (someone) to a particular task, duty etc.; to depute, to allocate.

   • The provisions were packed over night and sent down by boat, in charge of the steward of the Gtdnare or some person specially told off for the purpose.
3. 3

   To count off (numbers, members of a sequence etc.)

   To count off (numbers, members of a sequence etc.); to enumerate.

   • The Recruit looked thoughtful and told off the days on his fingers.
4. ›+ 1 more definitionshow fewer

   1. 4

      To rebuke, to reprimand, or to admonish, often in a harsh, angry, direct way.

      • Joel's boss told him off for being late again.

The neighborhood

• synonymgive somebody what-for
• synonymread somebody the riot act
• synonymscold
• synonymcriticize
• synonymnumber
• synonymcount