# burn out

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/burn-out
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To make (someone) unavailable for work involving exposure to ionizing radiation by employing (the person) in such work until the person's accumulated exposure reaches the maximum permitted for an administrative period, typically a year.

## Examples

- The company will burn out the technician if he works too many shifts.
- Because the radiation levels were high, the manager had to burn out the senior operator to ensure he stayed within safety limits.
- The safety protocols dictate that the facility must burn out the staff members who have reached their annual exposure threshold to prevent long-term health risks.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.