Definition

1. Verb (transitive):

   • To remove water from a boat: The act of scooping water out of a vessel, typically using a bucket or other container, to prevent it from sinking.
   • To secure the release of someone from custody: To provide a sum of money (bail) as a guarantee to a court to obtain the temporary release of an arrested person until their trial.

2. Verb (intransitive):

   • To exit a difficult or dangerous situation: To abandon or withdraw from a problematic or failing enterprise, often abruptly.

Usage Examples

• Verb (transitive - removing water):

  • We had to bail out the canoe after the big wave hit.
  • The crew worked tirelessly to bail out the flooding hull.

• Verb (transitive - securing release):

  • His family had to bail him out of jail after his arrest.
  • A bondsman agreed to bail out the defendant.

• Verb (intransitive - exiting a situation):

  • The investor decided to bail out before the company collapsed.
  • When the project became too risky, the main partner bailed out.

Advanced Usage

• "To bail someone/something out": To rescue a person or organization from financial difficulty.
  • The government had to bail out the failing bank to prevent an economic crisis.
  • Can you bail me out? I'm short on rent this month.

Variants and Related Words

• Bail (noun): The money deposited to secure a person's release from custody.
  • The judge set bail at $10,000.
• Bail (verb): Can be used alone, especially in legal contexts.
  • They hope to bail him tomorrow.
• Bailout (noun): An act of giving financial assistance to a failing business.
  • The controversial bailout cost taxpayers billions.

Synonyms

• Scoop out (for removing water).
• Secure release or post bond (for the legal sense).
• Withdraw, quit, abandon, rescue (for exiting/rescuing).

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Bail on (someone/something): To abandon or leave someone or something, often unexpectedly or disappointingly. (Note: This is a distinct, informal phrasal verb).
  • He bailed on the meeting at the last minute.
  • Don't bail on me now; I need your help.

Related Idioms

• To jump/bail ship: To leave an organization or activity that is likely to fail.
  • Several senior executives bailed ship before the scandal became public.

Verb

1. remove (water) from a boat by dipping and throwing over the side
2. free on bail