slough
What does "slough" mean?
To "slough" (pronounced "sluff") refers to the process of shedding, casting off, or discarding something that is no longer needed or is dead, such as a snake shedding its skin or a wound shedding dead tissue. The mental image is one of renewal—the slow, deliberate act of letting go of an outer layer to reveal what lies beneath. In a figurative sense, it is often used to describe the act of getting rid of negative traits, past burdens, or outdated habits. It carries a slightly formal or literary tone and is frequently paired with the word "off" (as in "to slough off"). Use this when you want to describe a transformative, albeit gradual, release of something heavy or restrictive.
"slough" in conversation
Self-improvement
I feel like I'm finally moving on from that job.
I feel like I'm finally moving on from that job.
It's good to see you slough off that stress.
It's good to see you slough off that stress.
Used figuratively to describe discarding emotional baggage.
Nature documentary
The serpent begins its annual cycle.
The serpent begins its annual cycle.
It will slough its skin to allow for further growth.
It will slough its skin to allow for further growth.
The literal biological usage.
"slough" in a sentence
The snake began to slough its old skin.
The snake began to slough its old skin.
She managed to slough off her feelings of doubt and start the project.
She managed to slough off her feelings of doubt and start the project.
The organization must slough off its archaic bureaucratic layers to remain competitive.
The organization must slough off its archaic bureaucratic layers to remain competitive.
