Definition

1. Verb (intransitive):
   • To conceal oneself in a secret place, especially to avoid being found or captured. This implies a deliberate act of seclusion for safety or to evade detection.
   • To remain in a state of concealment over a period of time.

Usage

• The verb "hide out" is used to describe the action of staying hidden in a specific location. It often carries connotations of evasion, such as from law enforcement, danger, or unwanted attention. It is typically followed by a prepositional phrase (e.g., , ) indicating the location.
• Grammatical Note: It is a phrasal verb. The past tense and past participle are "hid out" and "hidden out," respectively.

Examples

• Verb:
  • The fugitives decided to hide out in an abandoned warehouse until nightfall.
  • After the robbery, the thieves hid out in a remote mountain cabin for weeks.
  • She had to hide out from her aggressive creditors.

Advanced Usage

• "to be hiding out": Describes the continuous state of being concealed.
  • The witnesses are currently hiding out under police protection.
• Used figuratively to describe avoiding responsibilities or the public eye.
  • The celebrity is hiding out from the paparazzi at a private resort.

Variants and Related Words

• Hideaway (n): A place where someone goes to hide or be alone.
  • The cottage served as their secret hideaway.
• Hide (v): The base verb meaning to put or keep out of sight. "Hide out" specifies hiding in a refuge for an extended period.
  • He tried to hide the letter. (simple concealment) vs. He had to hide out for a month. (extended seclusion)

Synonyms

• Lie low: To remain inconspicuous to avoid trouble.
• Take cover: To seek shelter or protection, often quickly.
• Go to ground: To hide, especially to evade pursuers.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Hide away: Very similar to "hide out," often implying storing oneself or something securely. Can sometimes be used interchangeably.
  • They hid away the precious jewels. (transitive: with an object)
  • He hid away in his study. (intransitive: similar to "hide out")
• Hole up: To hide or take shelter in a place, often a makeshift one.
  • We holed up in the barn during the storm.

Related Idioms

• On the lam: Fleeing from law enforcement, which typically involves hiding out.
  • The escaped convicts were on the lam for two days before being caught.

Verb

1. be or go into hiding; keep out of sight, as for protection and safety
   • Probably his horse would be close to where he was hiding
   • She is hiding out in a cabin in Montana