put out
phrasal verb·3 senses·particle out
Meanings
Extinguish a fire or light
Why “out”? Something is used until nothing is left. Energy, supply, fire, and time all reach zero.
“Firefighters put out the house fire quickly.”
“Maya put out the campfire with water.”
“He put out the candles one by one.”
Publish or broadcast
Why “out”? Something is sent, shared, or made available from one source to many people or places.
“The band put out a new album.”
“The publisher put out a new guide.”
“They put out a press release denying the rumours.”
Inconvenience someone
Why “out”? A change creates extra trouble or work for someone.
“I hope this doesn't put you out.”
“Changing the time put everyone out.”
“She didn't want to put anyone out by asking for a lift.”
Don't confuse with
Test yourself
“Firefighters put out the house fire 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; 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
blast out
Same out pattern: distribution
Play music extremely loudly through speakers
blow out
Same out pattern: exhaustion
Extinguish a flame by blowing
bring out
Same out pattern: distribution
Make a quality or feature more obvious; Publish or launch a new product; Cause a particular response or behaviour in someone; Take something out of a container or place to show it; Encourage a shy person to be more confident
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
chill out
Same out pattern: exhaustion
Relax and stop being anxious
close out
Same out pattern: exhaustion
End or settle a process or account
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