What are the definitions of “chicken out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Be too afraid to do something.
I CHICKENED OUT of the bungee jumping when I saw how high it was.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “chicken out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb chicken out is to be too afraid or scared to do something. It is often used when someone decides not to do an activity or take a risk because of fear.
What are the different verb forms of “chicken out”?
| Root Verb | chicken out |
| Third Person Singular Present | chickens out |
| Present Participle | chickening out |
| Simple Past | chickened out |
| Past Participle | chickened out |
Example
I don't want to chicken out of the speech competition.
Example
She always chickens out when it's time to speak in public.
Example
He is chickening out of the skydiving trip.
Example
They chickened out of the haunted house tour.
Example
He had chickened out of the roller coaster ride.
What kind of phrasal verb is “chicken out”?
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
“chicken 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
She chickened out at the last minute.
Example
He chickened out of the race.
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
“chicken 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
She chickened out at the last minute.
Example
He chickened out of the race.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “chicken out”?
Good things to know
Does “chicken out” have an informal or formal tone?
Chicken out is an informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. In more formal settings, it is better to use alternatives such as 'back out,' 'withdraw,' or 'avoid.'
