space out

Idioms  

1. Stupefy or disorient, as if or from a drug. For example, This medication spaces me out so I can't think clearly, or I wonder what those kids are on—they look totally spaced out. [1960s] Also see zone out.

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

space out

Law-student-turned-coxswain Maisie Dixon held a chain attached to the bank, a system devised to space out crews.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 19, 2026

Services can include detailed instructions on which cards to open and how to space out card applications to limit damage to credit scores.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 2, 2026

“There’s no reason to delay or space out vaccines,” O’Leary said.

From Salon ● Dec. 6, 2025

Though Newcastle were coming up against a back five, they knew there would be space out wide for the rapid Anthony Elanga and Gordon – and so it proved.

From BBC ● Oct. 1, 2025

Yes, you have.You never do your work anymore, you space out all day unless you’re in band, and you yell at me half the time when I try to talk to you.

From "Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie" by Jordan Sonnenblick