The phrase "crowd out" refers to the displacement of something by a larger or more dominant entity. Its spelling reflects the pronunciation of each individual word. "Crowd" is pronounced /kraʊd/, while "out" is pronounced /aʊt/. When pronounced together, the "d" sound at the end of "crowd" melds with the "o" sound at the beginning of "out," resulting in the sound /kraʊd aʊt/. The spelling of this phrase accurately represents how it is pronounced phonetically.
Crowd out is a phrasal verb that refers to the displacement or replacement of one thing or person by another, usually by force or overwhelming presence. It implies the reduction or exclusion of something or someone due to the dominance or excessiveness of another entity or group.
In a literal sense, crowd out can describe a situation where a large number of people fill a space to such an extent that individuals or objects are pushed aside or prevented from entering. This can occur in crowded events, public places, or transportation systems when the sheer volume of people surpasses the capacity of the area, making it difficult for others to access or participate.
Figuratively, crowd out is often used to describe how one thing or person can overpower or overshadow another. This can happen in various contexts, such as in a business or economic setting, where a dominant company may push smaller competitors out of the market, or in social situations, where a charismatic individual may overshadow or undermine the presence of others. Additionally, crowd out can refer to how excessive or overwhelming demands, influences, or distractions can leave no room or opportunity for other activities or interests.
Overall, crowd out signifies the action of displacing or excluding something or someone due to an overwhelming presence or dominance, whether in physical or metaphorical terms.
The term "crowd out" has its origins in the late 16th century. It is a figurative expression that comes from the noun "crowd", meaning a large group of people gathered closely together. In this context, the word "crowd" conveys the idea of a mass or multitude.
The verb "to crowd" originally meant "to press upon, push, or shove", indicating the physical act of people standing so close together that they are tightly packed. Over time, the term took on a more metaphorical sense, expanding to encompass the concept of ample numbers of individuals overwhelming or occupying a space, pushing others aside.
The use of "crowd" as a verb in combination with the preposition "out" developed in the early 18th century. "Crowd out" denotes the action of forcing or displacing something or someone by overwhelming or overpowering them with sheer numbers or influence.