[transitive] (offsetting, offset, offset) to use one cost or payment in order to reduce or cancel the effect of another抵消；弥补；补偿◆The sale had been offset against costs.这笔销售所得已抵消了成本。◆The job cuts will be partly offset by 2 000 new posts.2 000 个新职位会弥补裁员后的部分岗位。