Definitions

chicken out

VERB

back down

Synonyms

WEAK

avoid back down back out back pedal beg off blow it off bow out cancel cop out funk out get cold feet give up give way go back on have no stomach for make concessions pull out recant renege resign scratch shy from surrender throw in the towel turn yellow weasel out wiggle out wimp out withdraw worm out yield

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Talking to the only other couple who managed not to chicken out like we did, I’ll never forget the looks on their faces when they learned we’d left in the midnight hour.

From Salon • Oct. 31, 2025

And now Chelsi Stone is glad she didn’t chicken out.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 16, 2022

I didn’t just chicken out of it, so I am definitely proud of that.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2022

I’m at my most powerful the moment I pull a perfect roast chicken out of the oven, and little makes me happier than sending my friends home full.

From New York Times • Oct. 13, 2021

“Well, if you two are going to chicken out, fine,” she said.

From "Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets" by J. K. Rowling

chicken out

Example Sentences

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