# zombie out

idiom

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

## Meaning

To become listless, vacant, or unresponsive.

## Examples

- I like to zombie out in front of the television after work.
- After a long week of studying for exams, I just want to zombie out on the couch all weekend.
- Exhausted by the relentless pace of the city, he would often zombie out during his commute, staring blankly at the passing scenery until his stop arrived.

## Origin

First attested in 1981, the phrasal verb is formed from the noun *zombie* and the particle *out*. The term followed the earlier appearance of the related adjective *zombied-out*, which entered the lexicon in 1976.

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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.