Phrasal verb
drown out
Definition
phrasal verb. to make so much noise that you cannot hear another sound. You use this when one loud sound covers up a quieter one.
phrasal verb. to make a sound inaudible by being significantly louder than it. Transitive; the object is typically the sound or the source of the sound being obscured.
Examples
“The loud music drowned out our conversation.”
“The roar of the jet engine drowned out the pilot's instructions to the ground crew.”
“The persistent clamour of the protesters outside the courthouse threatened to drown out the judge's final sentencing remarks.”
Examples
simple
“The loud music drowned out our conversation.”
contextual
“The roar of the jet engine drowned out the pilot's instructions to the ground crew.”
complex
“The persistent clamour of the protesters outside the courthouse threatened to drown out the judge's final sentencing remarks.”
Usage
The object is usually the sound being covered, though it can also be the person speaking.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'muffle', which means to make a sound quieter or less clear rather than completely covering it with another noise.
Pitfall
The music drowned our voices.
The music drowned out our voices.
without the particle 'out', the verb 'drown' implies killing someone by submersion in water.
Phrasal verb
Particles
out
Separability
optional
Pattern
drown + out + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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