English Reference

Phrasal verb

put out

Definition

phrasal verb. to stop a fire or a light from burning. You can also use it to mean that you are annoyed or inconvenienced by someone.

phrasal verb. to extinguish a fire or light; to cause someone inconvenience or annoyance. Often used in the passive voice when referring to the state of being inconvenienced.

Examples

“Firefighters worked quickly to put out the small fire.”

“I hope I am not putting you out by asking for a ride to the airport so early.”

“The crew managed to put out the blaze before it reached the main cabin, though the delay put out the passengers who had connecting flights.”

Examples

simple

“Firefighters worked quickly to put out the small fire.”

contextual

“I hope I am not putting you out by asking for a ride to the airport so early.”

complex

“The crew managed to put out the blaze before it reached the main cabin, though the delay put out the passengers who had connecting flights.”

Usage

The phrasal verb is separable; the object can appear between the verb and the particle or after the particle.

Phrasal verb

Particles

out

Separability

separable

Pattern

put + (object) + out

Synonyms

extinguishquenchsmotherdouseinconveniencetrouble

Antonyms

lightignitekindleaccommodate

Related words

outoutput

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

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
Frequency
Very common
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference