dim-out

Or dim·out

[dim-out]

noun

1. a reduction or concealment of night lighting in wartime to make the source less visible to an enemy from the air or sea.

2. a reduction of night lighting caused by a failure in an electric generating system or a reduction in its output.

Word History and Origins

Origin of dim-out¹

First recorded in 1940–45; dim + (black)out

Example Sentences

"Dim-out" rules had been put into effect, so Cullen saw no lights twinkling anywhere in the misty darkness.

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Along the shore no lights were showing for the dim-out was rigidly enforced at Sunset Beach.

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Ann dialed a small wrist radio; in a few moments, out of the dark sky, the dim-out lights of a small 'copter came into view, and the machine settled delicately to the road.

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Tramping down the ravine toward the huge house, he saw it was dark; down by the gate he could see the Security Guard, standing in a haze of blue cigarette smoke under the dim-out lights.

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