VocabDictionary

rout

/raʊt/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A decisive and disorderly defeat; the state of being overthrown and forced to retreat in confusion.

Example Sentences:
  • The football game turned into a complete rout after the home team scored five goals in the second half.
  • The election resulted in a total rout for the incumbent party.
2.verb

To defeat decisively and send into disorderly retreat.

Example Sentences:
  • The champion challenger routed the defending titleholder in just two rounds.
  • Our team managed to rout their arch-rivals in the playoff semi-finals.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “rout”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Middle English (in the sense ‘disorderly crowd’): from Old French route ‘multitude, troop’, from Latin rupta (cohors) ‘broken (company)’, feminine past participle of rumpere ‘to break’. The verb dates from the late 16th century.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'route' where a defeated army is forced to flee in total confusion.

Rhyming Words

Frequently Asked Questions About “rout

1. What is the meaning of “rout” in English?

In English, rout (noun) is defined as: “A decisive and disorderly defeat; the state of being overthrown and forced to retreat in confusion.”.

2. How do you use “rout” in a sentence?

The football game turned into a complete rout after the home team scored five goals in the second half.

3. What are English synonyms of “rout”?

Common synonyms include:defeat,overthrow,vanquish,debacle

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “rout”?

Middle English (in the sense ‘disorderly crowd’): from Old French route ‘multitude, troop’, from Latin rupta (cohors) ‘broken (company)’, feminine past participle of rumpere ‘to break’. The verb dates from the late 16th century.