Avoiding or Excluding: English Vocabulary List

to not do something one has promised or agreed to do

"He backed out of the deal."

"The investor decided to back out of the deal at the last minute because of concerns about the market."

to decide not to do something because of a sudden fear or anxiety

"He bottles out of the challenge."

"He planned to ask his boss for a raise but at the last minute he bottled out because he was too nervous."

to not to do something one planned because they feel scared or hesitant

"He chickened out at the last minute."

"He planned to ask her for a date but chickened out at the last moment because he was too nervous."

to intentionally exclude someone or something

"Do not leave out important details."

"Please do not leave out any important details when you write your report about the incident."

to choose not to participate in something or to not accept an offer

"She opts out of the retirement plan."

"Employees can opt out of the company's retirement plan if they prefer to save their money in a different way."

to refrain from taking part in an activity, typically by remaining seated

"He sits out the game due injury."

"The injured player had to sit out the rest of the game while the team doctor examined his twisted ankle."

to avoid attending an event

"He skipped out on the bill."

"The dishonest customer tried to skip out on paying the restaurant bill by pretending to go to the restroom."

to choose not to participate or engage in a discussion or argument

"Stay out of this argument."

"It's best to stay out of their personal dispute; it doesn't concern you at all."

to escape from a responsibility or obligation, often in a dishonest manner

"She wriggles out of the tight spot."

"The child tried to wriggle out of doing his chores by pretending to be sick but his mother did not believe him."

to become mentally absent, distracted, or unresponsive

"He zones out during boring lectures."

"I tend to zone out during long meetings when the topic does not interest me or affect my work directly."