walk out on
B2 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words
Leave someone behind and not come back — like a parent who leaves their family.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To suddenly leave a partner or family member, abandoning the relationship.
"His father walked out on the family when he was only three years old."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To abandon a responsibility, commitment, or obligation.
"You can't just walk out on your contract — there will be serious consequences."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Carries a strong sense of betrayal and irresponsibility. Most often used in the context of personal relationships (a partner, family) or obligations (a job, a commitment).
Commonly used with
partner family children wife husband job commitment
Forms
Base
walk out on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
walks out on
he/she/it
Past simple
walked out on
yesterday
Past participle
walked out on
have + pp
-ing form
walking out on
continuous
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Synonyms
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