Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
chicken-out
phrasal verb
/ˈtʃɪk.ɪn aʊt/
Definition
To decide not to do something because of fear or anxiety; to back out of a commitment or challenge.
Examples
- He was ready to go skydiving, but he chickened out at the last moment.
- She wanted to confront her fears, but she chickened out and stayed home instead.
Meaning
When someone ‘chickens out,’ they let fear stop them from facing a situation or taking a risk they had previously considered.
Synonyms
- back out
- run away
- wimp out
- shy away
