put out

phrasal verb·3 senses·particle out

Meanings

1

Extinguish a fire or light

Exhaustion

Why “out”? Going outward until nothing remains. Supply is gone.

“Firefighters put out the blaze quickly.”
Firefighters stopped the blaze from burning quickly.
“Maya put out the campfire with water.”
Maya stopped the campfire from burning with water.
“He put out the candles one by one.”
He blew out each candle in turn.
2

Publish or broadcast

Distribution

Why “out”? Spreading outward from a centre to many recipients.

“The band put out a new album.”
The band released a new album to the public.
“The publisher put out a new guide.”
The publisher released a new guide to the public.
“They put out a press release denying the rumours.”
They published a press release denying the rumours.
3

Inconvenience someone

Removalrare

Why “out”? Pushing outward to eliminate. What is removed is sent away.

“I hope this doesn't put you out.”
I hope this isn't causing you any inconvenience.
“Changing the time put everyone out.”
Changing the time inconvenienced everyone.
“She didn't want to put anyone out by asking for a lift.”
She didn't want to inconvenience anyone by asking for a ride.

Don't confuse with

put output up

Put out means stop a fire or light. Put up means move something higher.

put output down

Put out means publish or broadcast. Put down means place on a surface.

Test yourself

“Firefighters put out the blaze quickly.” What does it mean?

Nearby in the meaning map

Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.

put down

A contrast learners often mix up

Place on a surface; Insult or belittle someone; Euthanize an animal; Place something on a surface; Commit to writing

put up

A contrast learners often mix up

Raise or lift; Provide accommodation; Tolerate (put up with); Erect or construct; Display a notice, poster or sign in a public place; Increase a price, rate or value

black out

Same out pattern: exhaustion

Lose consciousness briefly

blank out

Same out pattern: exhaustion

Suddenly fail to remember or think of something

blot out

Same out pattern: removal

Cover or hide something so it can no longer be seen

blow out

Same out pattern: exhaustion

Extinguish a flame by blowing

branch out

Same out pattern: distribution

Start doing something new or different; (of a road, river or organisation) split off in a new direction; Become independent and start your own venture

burn out

Same out pattern: exhaustion

Become exhausted from overwork; (of a fire) stop burning because there is no fuel left; (of an electrical device) stop working because of overheating; Destroy a building or vehicle by fire

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