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gray out

C1 neutral separable both
In simple words

To nearly faint or lose your vision briefly (like when a pilot pulls up fast), or to make a button on a screen look grey because it can't be used right now.

Literal meaning: To turn or become grey.

Meanings

1 B2 neutral

In UI/UX design, to make an interface element appear greyed out and non-interactive to show it is currently unavailable.

"The 'submit' button is grayed out until all required fields are completed."

Grammar: separable
2 C1 neutral

To experience a partial loss of vision or consciousness, usually due to reduced blood flow to the brain.

"The pilot began to gray out during the sharp climb and had to reduce speed."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

In aviation and medicine, a 'gray out' (noun) is a partial loss of colour vision or consciousness caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, typically from high g-forces. In UI/UX design, 'greyed out' (British spelling: 'grayed out') means an element is disabled. The spelling 'grey out' is standard in British English.

Commonly used with

screen button option menu vision cockpit

Forms

Base
gray out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
grays out
he/she/it
Past simple
grayed out
yesterday
Past participle
grayed out
have + pp
-ing form
graying out
continuous

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