1 C1 idiomatic informal
To persistently focus on or return to a particular topic, theme, or argument.
"The opposition kept camping out on the issue of rising food prices throughout the debate."
inseparable
camp out on
C1 informal inseparable transitive
To persistently focus on, dwell on, or repeatedly return to a particular topic, issue, or position.
In plain English
To keep coming back to the same topic or idea and refusing to move on from it.
What does "camp out on" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To camp (set up a tent) on top of something.
Actually means
To keep coming back to the same topic or idea and refusing to move on from it.
Usage tip
Primarily used in journalistic and political commentary. Implies stubbornness or persistent attention. Can also literally mean to set up camp on a particular piece of land.
Words that pair with "camp out on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
issue topic point position message narrative
How to conjugate "camp out on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
camp out on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
camps out on
he/she/it
Past simple
camped out on
yesterday
Past participle
camped out on
have + pp
-ing form
camping out on
continuous
Hear "camp out on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "camp out on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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