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rout

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /raʊt/

rout means: A complete defeat that makes an army or opponent give up or retreat in confusion.

noun

CRUSHING DEFEATC1

A complete defeat that makes an army or opponent give up or retreat in confusion.

  • The battle ended in a rout.
  • Their victory became a complete rout of the enemy.
  • The army fled in confusion after the rout.

How to use it: a rout of someone/something (The battle ended in a rout of the invading army.)

Similar words: crushing defeat, drubbing

Opposites: victory, triumph

Common phrases: a complete rout, rout of something, turn into a rout

SNAIL GROUPC2

A group of snails.

  • A rout of snails crossed the path.
  • We found a small rout beneath a flowerpot.
  • The gardener watched a rout of snails eating the lettuce.

How to use it: a rout of snails (A rout of snails gathered under the wet leaves.)

Similar words: escargatoire

Common phrases: rout of snails, a small rout

UNTIDY COLLECTIONC2

A mixed collection of things with no clear order.

  • A rout of objects covered the desk.
  • He sorted through a rout of old papers.
  • The cupboard held a confused rout of cups and bottles.

How to use it: a rout of things (A rout of broken tools filled the shed.)

Similar words: jumble, assortment, hotchpotch

Common phrases: rout of something, a confused rout

DISORDERLY CROWDC2

A noisy, uncontrolled crowd, especially a group of criminals or violent people.

  • A noisy rout filled the street.
  • The guards faced an angry rout outside the palace.
  • A rout of thieves had gathered near the bridge.

How to use it: a rout of people (A rout of armed men rushed towards the gate.)

Similar words: mob, rabble, gang

Common phrases: rout of thieves, a noisy rout, an angry rout

verb

DEFEAT COMPLETELYC1

To defeat an enemy or opponent completely, often making them run away in confusion.

  • Our team routed the visitors.
  • The cavalry routed the enemy at dawn.
  • They were routed six goals to one in the final.

Similar words: crush, defeat, overwhelm, trounce

Common phrases: rout the enemy, rout an army, rout the opposition

SNORE LOUDLYC2

To make a loud rough noise while sleeping.

  • He began to rout in his sleep.
  • The old man routed loudly all night.
  • She could hear the sleeper routing through the thin wall.

Similar words: snore

Common phrases: rout loudly, rout in bed

ROARC2

To make a loud, deep noise, like a large animal calling.

  • The bull began to rout.
  • Cattle routed loudly in the dark field.
  • The wounded beast routed as the hunters approached.

Similar words: bellow, roar, snort

Common phrases: rout loudly, rout and roar

SHOUT WORDSC2

To say something in a very loud voice.

  • He routed a warning across the yard.
  • The guard routed out the command again.
  • She routed her answer above the noise of the crowd.

How to use it: rout out something (The captain routed out an order to stop.)

Similar words: shout, bellow, roar

Opposites: whisper

Common phrases: rout out orders, rout a warning

Questions about rout

What does rout mean?

A complete defeat that makes an army or opponent give up or retreat in confusion.

What is rout in other languages?

Türkçe: bozgun · Español: derrota aplastante · Français: déroute · Deutsch: vernichtende Niederlage · Italiano: rotta · 日本語: 総崩れ

How do you pronounce rout?

It is pronounced /raʊt/.

How do you use rout in a sentence?

The battle ended in a rout. Their victory became a complete rout of the enemy.

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