1 C1 idiomatic informal
To decide to stay at home or in a safe location during a crisis or emergency rather than evacuating.
"With the hurricane approaching, the family decided to bug in rather than risk the congested highways."
inseparable
bug in
C1 informal inseparable intransitive
To remain in one's home or location during an emergency rather than evacuating (survivalist/military jargon).
In plain English
To stay where you are and wait out a dangerous situation instead of running away.
What does "bug in" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
Primarily used in survivalist, prepper, and military emergency-planning communities. The opposite of 'bug out'. Increasingly used in casual conversation during events like severe storms or pandemics.
Words that pair with "bug in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
decision supplies home emergency plan
How to conjugate "bug in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
bug in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bugs in
he/she/it
Past simple
buged in
yesterday
Past participle
buged in
have + pp
-ing form
buging in
continuous
Hear "bug in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "bug in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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