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x out

B1 informal separable transitive
In simple words

To put an X through something on paper to show it is wrong, canceled, or should be removed.

Literal meaning: To mark something with the letter X to indicate it should be removed or is incorrect.

Meanings

1 A2 informal

To draw an X through text or an item to indicate it is wrong, canceled, or should be ignored.

"She x'd out the wrong answers and wrote the corrections above them."

Grammar: separable
2 B1 idiomatic informal

To close a window, tab, or dialog box by clicking the X button.

"Just x out of that pop-up and continue reading the article."

Grammar: separable
3 B1 idiomatic informal

To eliminate or remove someone or something from a list, plan, or consideration.

"We can x out the first two candidates — neither of them has the required experience."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Common in informal writing and editing. Also used metaphorically to mean eliminating someone or something from consideration. In digital contexts, refers to clicking the X button to close a window or tab.

Commonly used with

word name mistake line error window

Forms

Base
x out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
xes out
he/she/it
Past simple
xed out
yesterday
Past participle
xed out
have + pp
-ing form
xing out
continuous

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