zone out

Idioms  

1. Stop paying attention, dissociate oneself from a situation. Also, engage in a mindless activity. For example, When Felicia starts talking about her ailments and her friends' ailments, I totally zone out. This idiom also occurs in the passive, be zoned out. It originally alluded to narcotic intoxication and then was broadened to other kinds of dissociation. For a near synonym, see tune out, def. 2. [Slang; second half of 1900s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

zone out

We can zone out or become so absorbed in something like driving or cooking that we lose track of time, without it being a cause for concern.

From Slate ● Sep. 23, 2026

I can peacefully zone out, knowing these people are qualified.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 18, 2025

“I just found it very enjoyable to zone out and have the right kind of music on and just sort of keep going,” Mark said.

From Salon ● Apr. 19, 2025

"I just try and lock in and zone out the crowd", says Joe.

From BBC ● Mar. 28, 2025

Did I zone out of that part of yesterday’s conversation?

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

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Related Words

• lose consciousness
• pass out

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