Phrasal verbs "hide out" vs "snuff out"

Differences between hide out and snuff out

Hide out means to stay in a place where no one can find you, usually to avoid trouble or danger. Snuff out means to extinguish something, such as a flame or a life.

Meanings and Definitions: hide out vs snuff out

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Hide out

• 1. Go or stay somewhere to avoid being caught or found.

  The police think he's HIDING OUT in the woods.

Snuff out

• 1. Extinguish a small flame by covering it.

  I SNUFFED OUT the candles before I went to bed.

• 2. Kill.

  He got SNUFFED OUT in a gang war.

• 3. End something suddenly.

  I messed up the first question, which SNUFFED OUT my chances of getting a good grade.

Usage Examples: hide out, snuff out in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

hide out

Example

The criminal decided to hide out in an abandoned building.

Example

She hides out in her room when she wants to avoid her siblings.

snuff out

Example

I always make sure to snuff out the candles before going to bed.

Example

He usually snuffs out any small flames around the house.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Hide out

lay low

To keep a low profile or stay out of sight to avoid being noticed or caught.

Example

After the robbery, the thieves decided to lay low until the police stopped searching for them.

go into hiding

To disappear or conceal oneself to avoid being found or captured.

Example

The witness had to go into hiding after receiving death threats from the suspect's accomplices.

take cover

To seek shelter or protection from danger or harm.

Example

During the storm, we had to take cover in the basement to avoid getting hit by flying debris.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Snuff out

put out

To extinguish a fire or a flame.

Example

He used a fire extinguisher to put out the kitchen fire before it spread to other rooms.

quash

To suppress or eliminate something, such as a rebellion or a rumor.

Example

The government tried to quash the protests by arresting the leaders and censoring the media.

stamp out

To eradicate or eliminate something completely, such as a disease or a bad habit.

Example

The health department launched a campaign to stamp out smoking by raising awareness and providing support for smokers who wanted to quit.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “hide”

• hide away

Phrasal Verbs with “out”

• time out
• phase out
• opt out
• cash out
• print out

Differences in hide out vs snuff out: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: hide out or snuff out?

In everyday conversation, hide out is less common than snuff out. Snuff out is used more frequently because it has a broader range of applications, from putting out a candle to ending someone's life. Hide out is more specific and often used in situations where someone is trying to avoid being found.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of hide out and snuff out

Both hide out and snuff out are informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations with friends and family. However, snuff out can also be used in more formal settings like news reports or legal documents.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of hide out and snuff out

The tone of hide out is often associated with fear or danger, while snuff out can have a more neutral or even violent tone depending on the context.

hide out & snuff out: Synonyms and Antonyms

Hide out

Synonyms

• evade
• escape
• take refuge
• lie low
• go underground
• avoid detection
• find shelter

Antonyms

• reveal
• expose
• uncover
• appear
• confront
• face
• show up

Snuff out

Synonyms

• extinguish
• quench
• eliminate
• put out
• kill
• terminate

Antonyms

• ignite
• light
• start
• nurture
• cultivate