dumb out
C1 slang inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To suddenly freeze up and not be able to speak or think properly.
Meanings
1 C1
idiomatic
slang
(Very informal) To suddenly become unable to speak or respond, typically because of shock, nervousness, or confusion.
"She totally dumbed out when they asked her to speak in front of the whole school."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Non-standard and rare. Used in very informal American English, particularly among younger speakers. Not found in most dictionaries. ESL learners should treat this as recognition-only vocabulary.
Commonly used with
shock suddenly freeze nerves
Forms
Base
dumb out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
dumbs out
he/she/it
Past simple
dumbed out
yesterday
Past participle
dumbed out
have + pp
-ing form
dumbing out
continuous
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