definitions

opt

[ opt ]
/ ɒpt /
|
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR opt ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used without object)

to make a choice; choose (usually followed by for).

Verb Phrases

opt out, to decide to leave or withdraw: to opt out of the urban rat race and move to the countryside.

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RELATED WORDS

quit, withdraw, leave, reject

Nearby words

opsonin, opsonization, opsonize, opsonocytophagic, opsonometry, opt, opt in, opt out, opt-, opt-out, opt.

Origin of opt

1875–80; < French opter to choose, divide < Latin optāre to wish for, desire, pray for, choose, select
Related formsun·opt·ed, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for opt out (1 of 2)

opt out

verb

(intr, adverb often foll by of) to choose not to be involved (in) or part (of)

noun opt-out

the act of opting out, esp of local-authority administrationopt-outs by hospitals and schools

British Dictionary definitions for opt out (2 of 2)

opt

/ (ɒpt) /

verb

(when intr, foll by for) to show preference (for) or choose (to do something)See also opt in See also opt out

Word Origin for opt

C19: from French opter, from Latin optāre to choose
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for opt out

opt

v.

1877, from French opter "to choose" (16c.), from Latin optare "choose, desire" (see option). To opt out is attested from 1922. Related: Opted; opting.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper

Idioms and Phrases with opt out

opt out

Choose not to participate, as in Our school opted out of the state competition. [Slang; mid-1900s]

The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.