wean off (of) (something)

1. To accustom a baby or an infant mammal to stop relying solely on its mother's milk so as to take nourishment from some other source of food. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "wean" and "off." Doctors currently don't recommend weaning babies off breast milk before they are six months old. Some seal pups are weaned off of their mothers' teat after only two weeks.

2. To slowly or gradually stop doing, ingesting, or consuming something to which one has developed a strong habit or dependency. I'm trying to wean off fatty foods and start eating more fruits and vegetables. Some people are able to wean off of smoking gradually, while other people find it easier to stop completely all at once.

3. To force or accustom someone to the gradual withdrawal from some action or thing to which they have developed a strong habit or dependency. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "wean" and "off." I want to start weaning the kids off of TV and video games on the weekends and get them to read or play outside instead. The medication helps wean patients off alcohol by simulating its effects in the brain.