1
: the act or an instance of copping out
2
: an excuse or means for copping out : pretext
3
: a person who cops out

cop out

2 of 2

verb

copped out; copping out; cops out

intransitive verb

1
: to back out (as of an unwanted responsibility)
cop out on jury duty
2
: to avoid or neglect problems, responsibilities, or commitments
accused the mayor of copping out on the issue

Examples of cop-out in a Sentence

Noun I think that saying you're sick is just a cop-out to get out of going to work Verb don't cop out on your promise to pay for the damage
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.
Noun
Making her a helpful ex-Widow is the ultimate cop-out, replacing complex real-world connections with generic globo-spy fantasy. Darren Franich, Vulture, 14 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1942, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1952, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cop-out was circa 1942

Browse Nearby Entries

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Cite this Entry

“Cop-out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cop-out. Accessed 26 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

cop-out

1 of 2 noun
ˈkäp-ˌau̇t
1
: an act or instance of copping out
2
: something that provides a way for someone to cop out
3
: a person who cops out

cop out

2 of 2 verb
(ˈ)käp-ˈau̇t
1
: to back out of something one does not want to do
said I was copping out of the race because I was afraid I'd lose
2
: to avoid or take the easy way out of something one ought to do
cop out on a promise
cop out on a cause
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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