The phrase "putting out a contract" refers to hiring someone to commit a crime or murder. The spelling of this phrase follows the rules of standard English, with the exception of the two main verbs, "putting" and "out." "Putting" is pronounced /ˈpʊtɪŋ/ and follows the spelling convention of the present participle form of "put." "Out" is pronounced /aʊt/ and represents the straightforward pronunciation of the word. Together, these words become "putting out," pronounced /ˈpʊtɪŋ aʊt/.
Putting out a contract refers to the act of hiring or engaging someone to carry out a violent or harmful act against another individual or entity, typically for monetary gain or personal revenge. It is a clandestine arrangement between an individual, often referred to as the "contractor," and the person issuing the contract, known as the "contractee" or "employer." The contractor is typically a hitman, a professional assassin, or someone willing to perform illegal activities for compensation.
The contract itself usually involves a specific set of instructions or conditions, outlining the target, the motive, and any other pertinent details necessary to complete the task. These instructions are provided in confidence, and secrecy is crucial to maintain the anonymity of the employer.
Putting out a contract can have severe legal consequences as it is considered a criminal act in most jurisdictions, falling under the umbrella of conspiracy to commit murder, solicitation of murder, or other serious charges depending on the jurisdiction. Law enforcement agencies and authorities actively seek to uncover and prevent these contracts, as they pose a significant threat to public safety.
The act of putting out a contract is associated with organized crime, where it often serves as a tool to settle disputes, exact revenge, eliminate competition, or enforce control. However, it should be noted that this term is primarily used in informal or colloquial contexts, as the actual individuals involved rarely refer to their activities using such explicit terms.