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cop out

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ˌkɑp ˈaʊt/ · UK /ˌkɒp ˈaʊt/

cop out means: To avoid doing something difficult or taking responsibility, often by making an excuse.

verb

AVOID DUTYB2

To avoid doing something difficult or taking responsibility, often by making an excuse.

  • Don’t cop out now.
  • She copped out of making the final decision.
  • Are you going to cop out and let us do everything?

How to use it: cop out of doing something (He copped out of helping us move.); cop out on something (Don’t cop out on your responsibilities.)

Similar words: shirk, back out, dodge

Common phrases: cop out again, cop out of something

LET DOWNC1

To leave someone without help or support when they need you.

  • Please don’t cop out on me.
  • He copped out on his friends when they needed help.
  • You promised to stay; why are you copping out on us?

How to use it: cop out on someone (She copped out on me when I needed her most.)

Similar words: let down, abandon, betray

Opposites: support

Common phrases: cop out on someone, cop out on friends

ADMIT GUILTC2

To admit guilt in court and ask for a lighter punishment.

  • He decided to cop out.
  • The defendant copped out and asked the judge for mercy.
  • His lawyer advised him to cop out before the trial began.

Similar words: plead guilty

Common phrases: cop out in court, cop out before sentencing

ASSIGN BLAMEC2

To blame someone or cause them to be held responsible for wrongdoing.

  • They tried to cop him out.
  • His partner copped him out on the robbery charge.
  • Why did you cop me out for the missing money?

How to use it: cop someone out on something (They copped him out on the theft charge.)

Similar words: blame, implicate

Opposites: exonerate

Common phrases: cop someone out, cop someone out again

LEAVE GANGC2

To leave a gang or stop being part of it.

  • He wanted to cop out.
  • Two members copped out of the gang last year.
  • Will they let you cop out and leave town?

How to use it: cop out of something (He copped out of the gang after his brother was arrested.)

Similar words: quit, leave

Opposites: join

Common phrases: cop out of something, cop out on someone

WIN FAVOURC2

To make someone like you or become willing to help you.

  • He hoped to cop her out.
  • She copped him out by praising his work.
  • Can a few gifts really cop someone out?

How to use it: cop someone out (He tried to cop the boss out with compliments.)

Similar words: win over, charm

Opposites: alienate

Common phrases: cop someone out, cop someone out completely

Questions about cop out

What does cop out mean?

To avoid doing something difficult or taking responsibility, often by making an excuse.

What is cop out in other languages?

Türkçe: sorumluluktan kaçmak · Español: escaquearse · Français: se défiler · Deutsch: sich drücken · Italiano: tirarsi indietro · 日本語: 責任を逃れる

How do you pronounce cop out?

In American English /ˌkɑp ˈaʊt/; in British English /ˌkɒp ˈaʊt/.

How do you use cop out in a sentence?

Don’t cop out now. She copped out of making the final decision.

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