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.
Nevertheless, the end product was the same: a sequence with the Americans caught out of position, struggling to clear their lines, and reacting to loose balls a split-second after their counterparts made the damning difference. Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025 Don’t get caught out in the dunes barefoot and burn the bottoms of your feet. Maya Silver, Outside Online, 10 Mar. 2025 Using the 18-year-old as a left centre-back has also helped protect his wing-backs on that side when they are caught out of position. Carl Anka, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025 The big midfielder was off the pace in the first half and got caught out multiple times in the middle of the park. Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Catch out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catch%20out. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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