1 C1 idiomatic formal
To expel someone from a military unit or formal organization, especially publicly and as a form of disgrace.
"He was drummed out of the regiment after the investigation found him guilty of misconduct."
separable
drum out
C1 formal separable transitive
To officially and publicly expel someone from an organization, especially in a shameful or ceremonial way.
In plain English
To force someone to leave a group or organization because they did something wrong, usually in front of others.
What does "drum out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic neutral
To force someone out of a position or group through collective pressure or official action.
"The scandal was enough to get her drummed out of the political party."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To accompany someone out with drumbeats — historically, a disgraced soldier was marched out to the beat of a drum.
Actually means
To force someone to leave a group or organization because they did something wrong, usually in front of others.
Usage tip
Originates from the military practice of drumming a disgraced soldier out of the regiment. Now used more broadly for expulsion from clubs, parties, or professions. More common in British English. Often used in passive voice.
Words that pair with "drum out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
regiment party corps organization service ranks
How to conjugate "drum out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
drum out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
drums out
he/she/it
Past simple
drumed out
yesterday
Past participle
drumed out
have + pp
-ing form
druming out
continuous
Hear "drum out" in the wild
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