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Phrasal verb

walk out

phrasal verb
/ˌwɔːk ˈaʊt/

Meanings

phrasal verb

To leave a place suddenly, especially because you are angry or in protest.

walk out: To leave a place suddenly, especially because you are angry or in protest.
phrasal verb

To stop working and leave your workplace as part of a strike.

walk out: To stop working and leave your workplace as part of a strike.

Definition

To walk out means to leave a place suddenly, often because you are angry or disagree with something.

If you walk out, you leave a room, meeting, or event before it is finished, usually to show strong disagreement or annoyance. It can also mean to leave your job as part of a strike. The meaning is often clear from the context, such as an argument, a speech, or workplace protest.

Examples

  • I walked out after the argument got too heated.
  • She walked out of the interview when the questions turned rude.
  • They walked out during the speech to show their disagreement.
  • We walked out of the restaurant because the service never started.
  • The teachers walked out for a day to demand better conditions.

Common mistake

Learners often confuse "walk out" (leave suddenly) with "walk out on" (abandon a person or responsibility).