pass out
/pæs aʊt/
Meaning
This phrasal verb means to lose consciousness temporarily, usually due to dehydration, extreme heat, exhaustion, or illness. It is a common, conversational alternative to the more formal word 'faint.'
Examples
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It was so hot in the crowded room that I thought I was going to pass out.
It was so hot in the crowded room that I thought I was going to pass out.
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He nearly passed out from exhaustion after running the marathon.
He nearly passed out from exhaustion after running the marathon.
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She passed out for a few seconds, but she woke up feeling much better.
She passed out for a few seconds, but she woke up feeling much better.
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The doctor said patients sometimes pass out when they see blood.
The doctor said patients sometimes pass out when they see blood.
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Don't stand locked-kneed for too long, or you might pass out.
Don't stand locked-kneed for too long, or you might pass out.
Common Mistakes
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✗ He passed out of the classroom.
✓ He went out of the classroom. / He left the classroom.
Pass out means to lose consciousness, not to walk out of or leave a physical room.
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✗ The old man passed out last night and we had a funeral.
✓ The old man passed away last night...
Pass out means to faint temporarily. Pass away is the polite phrasal verb meaning to die.
Related Expressions
Practice
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If you don't eat enough, you might ___ during the workout.
💡 To faint or lose consciousness.
Show answer
pass out
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The smell of the chemicals was so strong that she almost ___.
💡 Fainted (past tense).
Show answer
passed out