The phrasal verb "pass out" is predominantly used in informal contexts, although it can occasionally appear in formal speech, particularly in medical or descriptive contexts. It commonly means to lose consciousness, often due to a temporary condition like fainting, shock, or exhaustion. Examples include "He passed out from heat exhaustion," or "She passed out after seeing her exam results." "Pass out" can also refer to the distribution of items, such as "The instructor passed out the worksheets to the students." This secondary usage tends to be more informal. In general conversation, "pass out" is often used when describing sudden or unexpected loss of consciousness, conveying a sense of immediacy and surprise. It's also worth noting that the context usually makes it clear whether the phrase implies fainting or distributing items, depending on the sentence structure and additional information provided.
B2
UpperIntermediate
1. To become unconscious temporarily due to lack of oxygen, stress, or shock.
He suddenly passed out during the meeting.
She passed out from the heat while hiking.
2. (Military) To complete training or graduate from a course, especially in British English.
He will pass out of the military academy next month.
Hundreds of new officers pass out each year from the training institute.