English · Phrasal verb Attested

punk out

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

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To give up or cravenly abandon something difficult.

Where it’s used: Used American English

When the going got tough, he punked out.

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).

Meaning · English

To treat as a punk (either as a worthless person or the bottom in a male-male relationship, especially a nonconsenting prison relationship).

Sources & notes

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

What does “punk out” mean?

To give up or cravenly abandon something difficult.

Is “punk out” formal or informal?

punk out is generally slang.

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