rule out
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle out
Meanings
Decide that something is not possible
Why “out”? Pushing outward to eliminate. What is removed is sent away.
“We can rule out food poisoning.”
“The doctor ruled out an infection.”
Test yourself
“We can rule out food poisoning.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
burn out
Same out pattern: removal
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
cash out
Same out pattern: removal
Take money from an account or investment
chuck out
Same out pattern: removal
Discard something
clean out
Same out pattern: removal
Remove the contents of a place and clean it thoroughly
clear out
Same out pattern: removal
Tidy by removing things you don't need
cross out
Same out pattern: removal
Mark for deletion
cut out
Same out pattern: removal
Remove by cutting; Stop eating, using, or doing something completely
ease out
Same out pattern: removal
Make someone leave a job or position gradually
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