shut out
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle out
Meanings
Prevent someone or something from being included
Why “out”? Out can mean away from sight, people, or access. You cannot see it, reach it, or join it.
“Leo felt shut out when security found Maya's name but not his.”
“New workers felt shut out.”
Don't confuse with
Shut out means stop someone from joining. Shut up means make someone stop talking.
Test yourself
“Leo felt shut out when security found Maya's name but not his.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
shut up
A contrast learners often mix up
Stop talking, often used as a rude command
block out
Same out pattern: hiding
Stop light, noise, or a thought from reaching you
blot out
Same out pattern: hiding
Cover or hide something so it can no longer be seen
hide out
Same out pattern: hiding
Stay in a secret place to avoid being found
keep out
Same out pattern: hiding
Prevent someone or something from entering
lock out
Same out pattern: hiding
Prevent someone from entering by locking the door
stay out
Same out pattern: hiding
Remain outside or away from a place or situation
shut down
Same base verb: shut
Stop operating completely
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