drum out

C1 formal separable transitive

In simple words

To force someone to leave a group or organization because they did something wrong, usually in front of others.

Literal meaning: To accompany someone out with drumbeats — historically, a disgraced soldier was marched out to the beat of a drum.

Meanings

1 C1 idiomatic formal

rare

To expel someone from a military unit or formal organization, especially publicly and as a form of disgrace.

"He was drummed out of the regiment after the investigation found him guilty of misconduct."

Grammar: separable

2 C1 idiomatic neutral

rare

To force someone out of a position or group through collective pressure or official action.

"The scandal was enough to get her drummed out of the political party."

Grammar: separable

Usage notes

Originates from the military practice of drumming a disgraced soldier out of the regiment. Now used more broadly for expulsion from clubs, parties, or professions. More common in British English. Often used in passive voice.

Commonly used with

regiment party corps organization service ranks

Forms

Base

drum out

I/you/we/they

3rd person

drums out

he/she/it

Past simple

drumed out

yesterday

Past participle

drumed out

have + pp

-ing form

druming out

continuous

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