walk out etymology

Etymology

The phrase "walk out" is a compound verb that combines the verb "walk" with the preposition "out."

  • "Walk" is a Germanic word that has cognates in most languages of that family (e.g., Dutch wandelen, Swedish vandra, German wandern). Its ultimate etymology is uncertain, but it may derive from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to turn or twist."
  • "Out" is a preposition that derives from the Old English word ūt, which in turn derives from the Proto-Germanic *ūta, meaning "beyond" or "outside."

Meaning

"Walk out" has several different meanings:

  • To leave a place or situation: "I walked out of the meeting in disgust."
  • To go on strike: "The workers walked out of the factory in protest."
  • To end a relationship: "He walked out on her after 10 years of marriage."
  • To perform the act of walking: "We walked out to the park for a picnic."

Origin

The phrase "walk out" first appeared in the English language in the late 17th century. It originally referred to the act of walking outside of a building or enclosure. Over time, the phrase acquired its other meanings, which are all related to the idea of leaving or exiting a place or situation.

walk out relate terms

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    Etymology The word walk derives from the Proto Germanic word walkaną meaning to roll

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  • stand out

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  • stand

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  • walk out

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  • strut

    Etymology Middle English strutte from Old English strutian to rove about ramble G

  • somnambulate

    Etymology Somno Latin sleep Ambulare Latin to walk Meaning To walk or be

  • promenade

    Etymology From French promener meaning to walk about to take a walk Ultimately fro

  • acrobat

    Etymology The word acrobat comes from the Greek word akrobatēs ακροβάτης

  • perambulation

    Etymology Latin perambulare to walk through or around Per through ambulare

  • stretch

    Etymology The word stretch comes from the Middle English word streccan which in tur

  • exile

    Etymology Latin exsilium exile banishment Proto Indo European eks s il out

  • sense

    Etymology Middle English sens from Old French sens from Latin sensus sensation perc

  • dystopia

    Etymology Dys Greek bad or difficult Topos Greek place Meaning A dy

  • demagogue

    Etymology Origin Greek Word demagogos δῆμος dēmos people ἄγω agō