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

---

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 .

---

Example Sentences

"Alright, stop the show, guys, there's someone passed out over here," said the US pop star Sombr, bringing his sold-out show at the Brixton Academy to an abrupt halt last week.

From BBC

Later in the morning a key grated in the lock, the bolt banged, and the door opened long enough for the sanitary bucket to be passed out.

From Literature

If you or someone around you experiences symptoms of heat stroke or heat exhaustion, such as dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, confusion, or passing out, seek medical help immediately.”

From Los Angeles Times

“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

Related Words

• faint
• lose consciousness
• swoon