put out

Short definition: The phrase put out means to extinguish a fire or flame, or to publish and distribute something such as information or a product.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the phrasal verb put out? This is a very flexible expression in English and can mean several different things depending on context. It can describe extinguishing a fire, publishing information, producing effort, or even feeling annoyed. Because the meanings vary quite a bit, the surrounding words matter a lot. Below are detailed meanings with realistic examples so you can clearly understand how put out works in daily English.

Forms: put out, puts out, put out, putting out
Related: extinguish v., publish v., produce v., annoy v.
Syllable: put-out

1. (Verb) To stop a fire, flame, or light from burning.

   To put out something like a fire, candle, or cigarette means to extinguish it so it stops burning. This is one of the most literal and common meanings. It usually involves removing heat, air, or fuel so the flame goes away.

   Please put out the candle before you leave the room.
   Firefighters worked quickly to put out the fire before it spread.
   He stepped outside to put out his cigarette.

   Synonyms: extinguish, douse, smother, quench, snuff out, stamp out, blow out, eliminate flame, suppress fire, kill the flame, put an end to burning, stop combustion
   Antonyms: light, ignite, spark, set on fire, start burning, kindle, fuel, inflame, blaze up, flare up, cause to burn, rekindle

2. (Verb) To publish, release, or distribute something.

   Put out can also mean releasing something to the public, such as a book, statement, product, or piece of information. It suggests making something available to others.

   The company plans to put out a new product next month.
   They put out a public statement regarding the issue.
   The band put out their latest album last week.

   Synonyms: release, publish, issue, distribute, launch, circulate, make public, broadcast, announce, unveil, present publicly, deliver to market
   Antonyms: withdraw, recall, hide, withhold, suppress, keep private, cancel release, delay publication, retract, block distribution, hold back, conceal

3. (Verb) To produce or generate effort, energy, or results.

   In another common meaning, put out refers to producing effort or output. It often appears in sports or work contexts, describing how much effort or performance someone gives.

   The team really put out a strong performance in the final game.
   You can’t expect results if you don’t put out the effort.
   She always puts out her best work, even under pressure.

   Synonyms: produce, generate, deliver, exert effort, give output, provide results, perform strongly, contribute effort, supply work, offer performance, put in effort, create output
   Antonyms: hold back effort, slack off, underperform, withhold energy, fail to try, produce nothing, neglect effort, give minimal effort, avoid contributing, stop producing, withdraw performance, remain inactive

4. (Verb) To inconvenience or annoy someone.

   Put out can also describe feeling annoyed or inconvenienced. If someone is put out, they feel bothered or slightly upset, usually because something caused them trouble.

   I hope I didn’t put you out by asking for a ride at the last minute.
   She seemed a little put out when the plans changed suddenly.
   He was clearly put out by the unexpected delay.

   Synonyms: annoy, inconvenience, bother, irritate, disturb, upset slightly, trouble, impose on, frustrate mildly, cause discomfort, put someone to trouble, create inconvenience
   Antonyms: please, accommodate, help, assist willingly, make comfortable, ease burden, satisfy, reassure, support, make happy, comfort, relieve inconvenience