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to string out
01
set out or stretch in a line, succession, or series
Grammatical Information
Composition
phrasal
Movement verb
Regular
Separable
Particle
out
Base verb
string
Present tense
string out
3rd person singular
strings out
Present participle
stringing out
Past simple
strung out
Past participle
strung out
02
to administer narcotics or bring someone under the influence of drugs
Slang
Examples
The nurse strung him out with a dose of morphine.
03
to experience withdrawal symptoms from narcotics
Slang
What does "to string out" mean in drug slang?
The phrase "to string out" means to become physically or psychologically exhausted and dependent due to prolonged narcotic or drug use, often involving withdrawal symptoms when the drug is unavailable. The structure is informal slang where "strung out" metaphorically suggests being stretched beyond normal functioning. It is commonly used in drug-related contexts to describe addiction, severe fatigue, and withdrawal-related distress.
Examples
He is strung out after missing his dose this morning.
