hive off verb 2hive-off noun 1forms 4 verb2 •To separate from a larger group. •To segregate; to remove from a parent entity.The plan involves banks hiving off bad assets and investors buying them at a discount on hopes of turning a profit over time. — 2009 hive-off noun1 •Synonym of spin-off (“(formation of) subsidiary company”). formshived off · hiving off · hives off · hive-offs