pass out

British  

verb

1. informal (intr) to become unconscious; faint

2. (intr) (esp of an officer cadet) to qualify for a military commission; complete a course of training satisfactorily

   General Smith passed out from Sandhurst in 1933

3. (tr) to distribute

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pass out Idioms  

1. Distribute, as in He passed out the papers . [Early 1900s]

2. Also, pass out cold . Faint, as in When she heard the news she passed out cold . [Early 1900s] Also see out cold .

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Example Sentences

“Why, we could pass out invitations to all the set decorators and scenarioists we know.”

From Literature

I ask one of the women passing out papers.

From Literature

Then, in Ireland's next meaningful attack, McCloskey swung a killer pass out to Baloucoune, who shrugged off Graham to score in the corner.

From BBC

Public Health officials are also warning people to seek medical help for signs of heat stroke or heat exhaustion, such as dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, confusion or passing out.

From Los Angeles Times

Ms. Martinez passes out the exams, and as soon as she tells us to begin, I attack each problem, one after the other.

From Literature

Related Words

• faint
• lose consciousness
• swoon