walk out
leave a place suddenly, often because you are angry
What does "walk out" mean?
Examples
- She walked out of the meeting without saying a word.
- He walked out on his family when the children were still young.
- The union members have walked out twice this year over pay disputes.
How to use it
This is the most common pattern. Use 'of' to introduce the place or event that someone is leaving.
Two board members walked out of the meeting after the announcement.
When the context is already clear, you can use 'walk out' without naming the place.
The director said something insulting and half the audience walked out.
Use 'in' to describe the feeling or reason that caused someone to leave.
The guests walked out in protest after the speaker made offensive remarks.
Use 'on' when the object is a person or obligation — this means to abandon someone, not just leave a place.
She walked out on her business partner after a serious disagreement.
Common Collocations
Common Mistakes
When the object is a person, you must use 'walk out on', not 'walk out'. Saying 'walk out' without 'on' before a person is incorrect.
'Walk out of' is for places and events, not people. If you are talking about abandoning a person, use 'on', not 'of'.
'Walk out' carries the idea of anger, protest, or strong dissatisfaction. If someone simply leaves a place calmly, 'leave' or 'go out' is more natural — 'walk out' implies an emotional or deliberate reason for leaving.
Usage
This phrasal verb is neutral in register and works in both spoken and written English. In news reporting, it often describes industrial strikes or political protests; in everyday speech, it describes leaving situations out of anger or dissatisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'walk out' always mean the person is angry?
Not always, but it almost always suggests strong dissatisfaction, protest, or moral objection. Even when someone walks out calmly, the action itself is seen as a statement. If someone simply leaves without any emotional reason, a neutral word like 'leave' is more natural.
What is the difference between 'walk out' and 'walk out on'?
'Walk out' (often followed by 'of') describes leaving a place or event — like a meeting, a film, or a classroom. 'Walk out on' is used when you abandon a person or a responsibility. The key difference is whether the object is a place or a person.
Can I use 'walk out' without mentioning where the person left?
Yes, this is very natural when the situation is already clear from the context. For example, 'Things got heated and she walked out' works perfectly without naming the specific place.
What kinds of situations is 'walk out' typically used for?
It is very common with formal or organised events such as meetings, conferences, lectures, interviews, and performances. It is also used for everyday situations like leaving a restaurant, a classroom, or a conversation — whenever the departure signals protest or strong dissatisfaction.
Is 'walk out' stronger than just 'leave'?
Yes. 'Leave' is neutral and simply describes going away from somewhere. 'Walk out' adds the idea that the person is leaving because they are unhappy, angry, or making a protest. The choice between the two changes the feeling of the sentence significantly.
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