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speak out

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speak out

to speak loudly; to speak to be heard. (See also speak out (about someone or something).) Please speak out. We need to hear you. They won't hear you in the back row if you don't speak out.

See also: out, speak

speak out (on something)

to say something frankly and directly; to speak one's mind. This law is wrong, and I intend to speak out on it until it is repealed. You must speak out. People need to know what you think.

See also: out, speak

speak out

(against someone or something) to speak negatively and publicly about someone or something; to reveal something negative, in speech, about someone or something. I don't want to speak out against my friends, but I am afraid I have to. The citizens spoke out against corruption in government.

See also: out, speak

speak out (on something)

to say something frankly and directly; to speak one's mind. This law is wrong, and I intend to speak out on it until it is repealed. You must speak out. People need to know what you think.

See also: out, speak

speak out

to say publicly what you think about something Gail admitted that she agreed with Kris, but she didn't speak out at the meeting.

Usage notes: often followed by against: It's important to speak out against racism at every opportunity.

See also: out, speak

speak out

v.

To talk freely and fearlessly, as about a public issue: Only one newspaper spoke out against the dictator. The politician was not afraid to speak out on controversial issues. Everyone was concerned about the problem, but no one spoke out.

See also: out, speak