out-of-bounds
/'autəv'baundz/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Barred to a designated group; prohibited from entry or use: Describes an area or activity that is forbidden or restricted for certain people.
- Outside the foul lines; beyond the prescribed limits of play: In sports, describes a ball or player that has moved beyond the established boundaries of the playing field.
Usage
- As an adjective, "out-of-bounds" is typically used after a linking verb like , , or , or directly before a noun to modify it.
- It is often hyphenated, especially when used before a noun.
Examples
- Adjective:
- The construction site is strictly out-of-bounds for all unauthorized personnel.
- The referee signaled that the ball was out-of-bounds, so the other team got possession.
- That topic is considered out-of-bounds during our family dinners.
Advanced Usage
- "to be declared out-of-bounds": To be officially ruled as outside the permitted area.
- The player was declared out-of-bounds, and the play was dead.
- Figurative Use: Used metaphorically to describe topics, behavior, or actions that are socially or morally unacceptable or beyond agreed-upon limits.
- Personal insults are out-of-bounds in a professional debate.
Variants and Related Words
- Out of bounds (adverbial phrase): Functioning similarly but often used after a verb.
- The ball went out of bounds.
- Off-limits (adjective): A close synonym meaning forbidden or not allowed.
- The laboratory is off-limits to visitors.
Synonyms
- Forbidden
- Prohibited
- Off-limits
- Banned
- Restricted
Related Phrases
- "to step out of bounds": To literally go beyond a boundary, or figuratively to violate a rule or social norm.
- The journalist stepped out of bounds by asking about the CEO's private life.
- "to bring something back in bounds": To return something to within acceptable limits or to a state of being permissible.
- The mediator helped bring the negotiations back in bounds.
Adjective
- barred to a designated group
- that area is off-limits
- outside the foul lines