walk out

British  

verb

1. to leave without explanation, esp in anger

2. to go on strike

3. informal to abandon or desert

4. obsolete to court or be courted by

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noun

1. a strike by workers

2. the act of leaving a meeting, conference, etc, as a protest

walk-out Cultural  

1. The action of leaving a meeting, place of work, or organization as an expression of disapproval or grievance: “During Grimm's speech, the radical students staged a walk-out.”

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walk out Idioms  

1. Go on strike, as in The union threatened to walk out if management would not listen to its demands . [Late 1800s]

2. Leave suddenly, especially as a sign of disapproval. For example, The play was so bad we walked out after the first act . [First half of 1800s]

3. Also, walk out on . Desert, abandon, as in He walked out on his wife and five children . [Late 1800s]

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Example Sentences

After a good night, Berry and Cynthia would walk out with about $150 each.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

It would mean 60,000+ district workers — teachers, counselors, nurses, bus drivers, janitors and cafeteria workers — would walk out, crippling school operations.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

Above the mouth of the players tunnel at Ellis Park, where England will walk out to play South Africa on 4 July, there is a sign.

From BBC • Feb. 23, 2026

And Hernández did not just walk out of the prison.

From Salon • Feb. 19, 2026

A powerful longing came over me to walk out of that room, go outside, and let that voice lead me home.

From "Ida B" by Katherine Hannigan

Related Words

• disappear
• escape
• flee
• fly
• go
• move
• quit
• retire
• start
• take off
• withdraw