# put out

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/put-out
Updated: 2026-08-12

## Definition

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

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

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

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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.