1 C1 idiomatic slang
(Very informal) To suddenly become unable to speak or respond, typically because of shock, nervousness, or confusion.
"She totally dumbed out when they asked her to speak in front of the whole school."
inseparable
dumb out
C1 slang inseparable intransitive
(Informal, chiefly American) To suddenly become unable to speak, think clearly, or respond, often due to shock or confusion.
In plain English
To suddenly freeze up and not be able to speak or think properly.
What does "dumb out" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
Non-standard and rare. Used in very informal American English, particularly among younger speakers. Not found in most dictionaries. ESL learners should treat this as recognition-only vocabulary.
Words that pair with "dumb out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
shock suddenly freeze nerves
How to conjugate "dumb out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
dumb out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
dumbs out
he/she/it
Past simple
dumbed out
yesterday
Past participle
dumbed out
have + pp
-ing form
dumbing out
continuous
Hear "dumb out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "dumb out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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