cop-out

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noun \ ˈkäp-ˌau̇t \

Definition of cop-out

1 :the act or an instance of copping out

2 :an excuse or means for copping out :pretext

3 :a person who cops out

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First Known Use of cop-out

circa 1942

cop-out Synonyms

Synonyms

avoidance, cop-out, dodging, ducking, eluding, elusion, eschewal, eschewing, evasion, out, shaking, shunning

Related Words

bypassing, circumvention, runaround, sidestepping, skirting; averting, deflection, obviation, precluding, prevention

Near Antonyms

abidance, endurance, submission, toleration

cop out

verb

Definition of cop out

intransitive verb

1 :to back out (as of an unwanted responsibility)

cop out on jury duty

2 :to avoid or neglect problems, responsibilities, or commitments

accused the mayor of copping out on the issue

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Examples of cop out in a Sentence

don't cop out on your promise to pay for the damage

First Known Use of cop out

1952

cop out Synonyms

Synonyms

back down, back off, back out, renege, fink out

Related Words

chicken (out), wimp out; backpedal, backtrack; abjure, abnegate, disavow, forswear (also foreswear), recall, recant, repudiate, retract, take back, unsay, withdraw; beg off, cry off [chiefly British]

Near Antonyms

adhere (to), follow through (with); comply (with), fulfill (or fulfil), honor, keep, satisfy

COP-OUT Defined for English Language Learners

cop-out

play

noun

Definition of cop-out for English Language Learners

: an excuse for not doing something
: something that avoids dealing with a problem in an appropriate way

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First Known Use of cop-out

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cop out

Definition of cop out

Examples of cop out in a Sentence

First Known Use of cop out

cop out Synonyms

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COP-OUT Defined for English Language Learners

cop-out

Definition of cop-out for English Language Learners

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