blow out

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To extinguish something, especially a flame, especially by means of a strong current of air or another gas.

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

He blows out the match.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To destroy or degrade (something) quickly, especially inadvertently and prematurely; for example, to deflate (a tire) by puncturing it, to burn out a light bulb by overcurrent, or to injure a bodily joint.

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To be destroyed or degraded quickly, especially inadvertently and prematurely.

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

or TUCK IN, a feast. Sometimes the expression is, "BLOW OUT your bags." A BLOW OUT is often called a tightener.

Era: ca. 1874 (Victorian)

Where it’s used: Origin British & Irish English
Sources & notes

Historical definition reproduced from Hotten’s The Slang Dictionary (1874, public domain; Project Gutenberg #42108, retrieved 2026-07-31). Reflects the attitudes of its era.

Common questions

What does “blow out” mean?

To extinguish something, especially a flame, especially by means of a strong current of air or another gas.

Is “blow out” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.