lay off

(transitive, chiefly US) (of an employer) To dismiss (workers) from employment, e.g. at a time of low business volume, often with a severance package.

(transitive) (of a bookmaker) To place all or part of a bet with another bookmaker in order to reduce risk.

(transitive, idiomatic) To cease, quit, stop (doing something).

Lay off the singing, will you! I'm trying to study.

When are you gonna lay off smoking?

(transitive and intransitive, idiomatic) To stop bothering, teasing, or pestering someone; to leave (someone) alone.

Just lay off, okay! I've had enough!

Things have been better since the boss has been laying off a little.

I told him to lay off me but he wouldn't stop.

Lay off it, already!

Synonyms:

(to dismiss workers from employment): make redundant, let go