bug out
verb
bugged out; bugging out; bugs out
1
: to retreat during a military action
especially
: to flee in panic
2
: to depart especially in a hurry
Synonyms
Examples of bug out in a Sentence
the ground soldiers bugged out just before the start of the aerial bombing
the strange visitor bugged out without so much as saying a word
Recent Examples on the Web
The adjustable cord locks around the cuffs to keep bugs out as well as offers a perfectly comfortable fit around the ankles.
—
Karthika Gupta, Travel + Leisure, 5 Oct. 2023
That’s when a prescription-strength corticosteroid cream—which helps to suppress the inflammatory cells that cause your skin to bug out—might help in the short term.
—Maressa Brown, SELF, 29 Sep. 2023
With its compact design but full features, this is the ideal sharpener for a bug out bag, tackle box, or other field kit.
—Jim Cobb, Field & Stream, 21 Sep. 2023
This unscented spray contains 25% DEET and is formulated for all the deep woods bugs out there like ticks, mosquitoes, gnats, and biting flies.
—Steven Rowe, Health, 28 Aug. 2023
Naturally, people bugged out over that look in the comments section.
—Korin Miller, Women's Health, 13 July 2023
Its mesh windows simultaneously promote airflow and keep bugs out.
—Rachel Simon, Travel + Leisure, 5 May 2023
People totally bugged out in the comments—and referenced her iconic role as Betty Draper in Mad Men.
—Korin Miller, Women's Health, 1 May 2023
People totally bugged out in the comments.
—Korin Miller, Women's Health, 4 Apr. 2023
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Karthika Gupta, Travel + Leisure, 5 Oct. 2023
That’s when a prescription-strength corticosteroid cream—which helps to suppress the inflammatory cells that cause your skin to bug out—might help in the short term.
—Maressa Brown, SELF, 29 Sep. 2023
With its compact design but full features, this is the ideal sharpener for a bug out bag, tackle box, or other field kit.
—Jim Cobb, Field & Stream, 21 Sep. 2023
This unscented spray contains 25% DEET and is formulated for all the deep woods bugs out there like ticks, mosquitoes, gnats, and biting flies.
—Steven Rowe, Health, 28 Aug. 2023
Naturally, people bugged out over that look in the comments section.
—Korin Miller, Women's Health, 13 July 2023
Its mesh windows simultaneously promote airflow and keep bugs out.
—Rachel Simon, Travel + Leisure, 5 May 2023
People totally bugged out in the comments—and referenced her iconic role as Betty Draper in Mad Men.
—Korin Miller, Women's Health, 1 May 2023
People totally bugged out in the comments.
—Korin Miller, Women's Health, 4 Apr. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bug out.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
origin unknown
First Known Use
1950, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near bug out
Cite this Entry
“Bug out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bug%20out. Accessed 6 Dec. 2023.
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More from Merriam-Webster on bug out
Britannica English: Translation of bug out for Arabic Speakers
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