Bum Out Definition & Meaning

Definition

Examples

Related Words

Synonyms bum out Idioms

1. Depress, sadden, dispirit, as in He's been really bummed out since his girlfriend moved to California . [ Slang ; late 1960s]

2. Annoy, irritate, vex, as in That haircut will really bum out his parents . [ Slang ; c. 1970]

3. Fail badly, as in I got through the midterm, but I bummed out totally on the final exam . This usage is student slang. [Late 1960s]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

And the libretto, you know—I’m gonna bum out libretto fans—the libretto is not really what opera is about.

From Slate

“If they move, it would bum out a lot of people. The Angels have been here for a long time, and there’s a lot of pride around here for the team,” said Parmar, 30, who lives in Anaheim.

From Los Angeles Times

Like any respectable conductor, Bugs bows to his audience and turns to face the podium then holds up a sign that reads “THROW THE BUM OUT!” after someone in the audience coughs loudly.

From Los Angeles Times

Those games still can end in a tie, unlike with college football, which spent its first 126 years allowing ties, which would bum out everyone.

From Washington Post

“I am knocking that bum out in two rounds. It’s going to be an early night.”

From Washington Post

Related Words

• afflict
• beat down
• bother
• damp
• dampen
• daunt
• discourage
• dishearten
• dismay
• dispirit
• disturb
• dull
• lower
• reduce
• sadden
• sap
• slow
• trouble
• upset
• weaken

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.