# cop out

> English word · Verb

## Definitions
1. To avoid or shirk, either by failing to perform, or by performing in a grossly insufficient, negligent, or superficial manner.
2. To plead guilty and ask for mercy.
3. To blame; to assign blame to; to get into trouble.
4. To remove from a situation or crowd, such as for arrest or punishment.
5. To leave a gang.
6. To abandon, let down or betray (someone).
7. To win (someone) over; to get on (someone's) good side.

## Etymology
Attested since 1942 as “flee, escape, cop (an) out”.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/cop-out