What does the phrasal verb “bug out” mean?

What are the definitions of “bug out”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Open your eyes wide in surprise.

  He BUGGED OUT when she turned up.

• 2. Leave somewhere in a hurry.

  They BUGGED OUT when the police arrived.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “bug out”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb bug out is to leave a place quickly, usually because of an emergency or unexpected situation. For example, it can mean leaving a party when the police arrive or evacuating a building during a fire.

What are the different verb forms of “bug out”?

Root Verb	bug out
Third Person Singular Present	bugs out
Present Participle	bugging out
Simple Past	bugged out
Past Participle	bugged out

Example

We need to bug out before the storm hits.

Example

He bugs out whenever he sees a spider.

Example

She is bugging out because she forgot her wallet at home.

Example

They bugged out when they heard the alarm.

Example

We had bugged out of the area before the flood came.

What kind of phrasal verb is “bug out”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Intransitive verb

“bug out” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.

Example

The cat bugged out when it saw the dog.

Example

Everyone bugged out when the fire alarm went off.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“bug out” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

The cat bugged out when it saw the dog.

Example

Everyone bugged out when the fire alarm went off.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “bug out”?

Bug out bag

A portable kit containing essential items needed to survive for a short period during an emergency evacuation.

Example

He always keeps a bug out bag in his car in case of emergencies.

Bug out location

A predetermined place where someone plans to go during an emergency or disaster.

Example

They have a bug out location in the mountains for when things get tough in the city.

Bug out vehicle

A vehicle specifically prepared for emergency evacuations and survival situations.

Example

He bought a 4x4 truck as his bug out vehicle to handle rough terrain during emergencies.

Good things to know

Does “bug out” have an informal or formal tone?

Bug out is an informal phrasal verb, typically used in casual conversations or in specific contexts related to emergency preparedness. It is not commonly used in formal settings or writing.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “bug out”?

Synonyms

• flee
• escape
• evacuate
• depart
• bolt
• run away
• leave quickly

Antonyms

• stay
• remain
• wait
• linger
• settle
• arrive
• enter