rat out
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
To inform authorities (about someone); to tell on (somebody).
Register: derogatory, slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
Don't you dare rat me out or I'll kill you!
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).
Common questions
What does “rat out” mean?
To inform authorities (about someone); to tell on (somebody).
Is “rat out” formal or informal?
rat out is generally derogatory, slang.