catch out

verb

caught out; catching out; catches out

transitive verb

1
: to detect in error or wrongdoing
caught him out committing perjury
2
: to take unawares or by surprise

Examples of catch out in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Meanwhile, Maddison is making a run in the other direction to catch out the rest of the visitors’ defensive line, which is being stretched in two different directions. Ahmed Walid, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024 Just look at how she got caught out twisting things that Jenna said about Jessel. Brian Moylan, Vulture, 12 Nov. 2024 Many people don't think about it until the time comes, but knowing what to do if caught out on the road during heavy rainfall is crucial. Perry Vandell, The Arizona Republic, 8 Feb. 2024 Verstappen got caught out by one of them and wasn’t able to make it into Q1. Rob Reed, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for catch out 

Word History

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of catch out was in 1759

Dictionary Entries Near catch out

Cite this Entry

“Catch out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catch%20out. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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