Phrasal verb
pass out
Meanings
to lose consciousness; to faint
to fall asleep quickly, especially from exhaustion
to give or hand out something to a group of people
Definition
To pass out means to lose consciousness and become temporarily unconscious.
To pass out most commonly means to faint or lose consciousness, often suddenly. It can happen because of heat, pain, shock, or exhaustion. In everyday English, it can also mean to fall asleep quickly or to distribute items to people.
Examples
- I nearly pass out when the room gets too hot.
- She passed out during the long ceremony and needed water.
- He was so tired after the hike that he passed out on the couch.
- They passed out snacks to everyone waiting in line.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "pass out" (faint/lose consciousness) with "pass away" (die).
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.