bug out

bug out

verb

Definition of BUG OUT

intransitive verb

1

: to retreat during a military action; especially : to flee in panic

2

: to depart especially in a hurry

— bug·out \ˈbəg-ˌau̇t\ noun

Examples of BUG OUT

1. <the ground soldiers bugged out just before the start of the aerial bombing>
2. <the strange visitor bugged out without so much as saying a word>

Origin of BUG OUT

origin unknown

First Known Use: 1950

Related to BUG OUT

Synonyms: bolt, break, run, flee, fly, hightail (it), retreat, run away, run off, skedaddle

Antonyms: arrive, come, show up, turn up

Related Words: abscond, clear out, decamp, elope, escape, get (away), get out, lam, light out, make off, mizzle [chiefly British], scarper [British], scat, scram, skip (out), skirr

Near Antonyms: beard, brave, confront, dare, defy, face; abide, dwell, hang around, linger, remain, stay, stick around, tarry

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