opt out

British  

verb

1. to choose not to be involved (in) or part (of)

---

noun

1. the act of opting out, esp of local-authority administration

   opt-outs by hospitals and schools

opt out Idioms  

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

---

Example Sentences

As Chester told me, “The system is so extensive, it’s impossible for the average person to opt out of” all the means of tracking afforded by TV-as-internet.

From Slate • May 3, 2026

Participation rates in retirement savings plans without automatic enrollment are significantly lower than they are in plans that automatically sign workers up, giving them the option to opt out.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

Employees have to actively opt out to leave the program, rather than proactively opt in.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

When the family recently visited the park she felt as though she didn’t have an option to opt out of the technology for her daughter.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2026

I didn't want to just opt out, or play sick, or cross my name off the organizers' matchmaking list.

From "Tradition" by Brendan Kiely

Related Words

• pull out
• quit
• withdraw