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muster out

C1 formal separable both
In simple words

To officially leave or be released from the army or military.

Literal meaning: To gather (muster) people together to send them out — the procedural military sense is a specialised extension.

Meanings

1 C1 formal

To formally discharge or release someone from military service.

"After four years of service, he was mustered out with an honourable discharge."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Primarily American English, used in historical contexts (especially the Civil War and WWII). Largely replaced in modern usage by 'discharge.' May appear in historical fiction, military memoirs, or journalism. The opposite is 'muster in.'

Commonly used with

troops soldiers veterans regiment service war

Forms

Base
muster out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
musters out
he/she/it
Past simple
mustered out
yesterday
Past participle
mustered out
have + pp
-ing form
mustering out
continuous

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Synonyms

discharge demobilise release decommission demob stand down

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