To make something or some place a little less cold; to warm something or some place up to a more bearable temperature. In the wintertime, I always let my car run idle in the driveway while I get ready for work to take the chill off a little bit before I get in. The boss offered to bring in a few space heaters to take the chill off the office while the central heating was being repaired. I find that lighting candles can be a very affordable—and romantic!—way to take the chill off of a room.