WordVale

cut out

to remove; to stop doing

In Phrasal Verbs

In more detail

1. (verb) to remove something by cutting with scissors or a knife

2. (verb) to stop doing something or stop behaving in a particular way

3. (verb) to remove a part from a film, book, or other material before it is shown or published

Examples

• 1. She cut out the article from the newspaper.
• 2. Cut out that silly noise right now!
• 3. The director cut out the violent scenes from the movie.

How to use cut out

Cut out is a phrasal verb with multiple related senses: physically removing something with scissors or a knife, discontinuing a behavior or habit, or editing material from a final product. It is commonly used in informal contexts for all three meanings and conveys directness and finality.

Common phrases

• cut out the middleman
• cut out sugar
• cut out a pattern
• cut out the noise
• cut out completely

Synonyms

eliminate · remove · delete · stop · cease

Opposites

include · add · continue

Word family

cutting out · cutout

A common mistake

Learners sometimes forget that this is a phrasal verb requiring the particle 'out' and may say 'cut sugar' instead of 'cut out sugar' when meaning to eliminate something from a diet.

Nearby in Phrasal Verbs

brush up on, chip in, come around, do without, fall through, gear up

Keep going

How to remember the words you read · Spaced repetition, explained