# drown out

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/drown-out
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to make so much noise that you cannot hear another sound. You use this when one loud sound covers up a quieter one.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The music drowned our voices." but "The music drowned out our voices." — without the particle 'out', the verb 'drown' implies killing someone by submersion in water.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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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.