Pronunciation: [ɹˈa͡ʊt ˈa͡ʊt] (IPA) 
The word "rout out" is spelled as /raʊt aʊt/. The first part, "rout," is pronounced with an "ow" sound (like in the word "how"), followed by a "t" at the end. The second part, "out," is pronounced with an "ow" sound (like in the word "cow"), followed by a "t" at the end. Together, the word means to completely remove or eliminate something or someone, and is commonly used in military or sports contexts.
The phrasal verb "rout out" is defined as an action taken to search for, uncover, or drive out something or someone, usually from a hiding place or obscure location. It often implies thoroughness and determination in locating and removing the target.
When used in the context of searching or uncovering, "rout out" refers to a systematic effort to find and expose something or someone that is concealed or difficult to locate. For instance, a detective may "rout out" evidence in order to solve a crime, meticulously exploring all possible leads to find crucial clues.
In the sense of driving out, "rout out" implies an initiative to dislodge or expel someone or something, often due to their undesirability or potential harm. It can be used to describe efforts to eliminate harmful pests or invasive species from an ecosystem. Similarly, it can refer to eviction procedures to remove undesirable individuals, such as squatters or criminals, from a particular place or community.
The term "rout out" suggests a proactive approach to finding, exposing, or eliminating something, indicating a comprehensive and determined effort to achieve the desired outcome. It emphasizes the thoroughness and persistence required to successfully accomplish the intended goal.
The phrase "rout out" can be traced back to the Middle English period. "Rout" originated from the Old Norse word "rǫt", meaning a lot or a swarm. In Middle English, it was commonly used to refer to a noisy gathering or a tumultuous crowd. Over time, "rout" also came to mean a disorderly retreat or a hasty flight from danger.
The term "rout out" developed from the figurative sense of "rout" meaning to put to flight or to disperse. The addition of "out" emphasizes the action of completely driving someone or something out of a particular place or hiding spot. As a verb phrase, "rout out" means to force someone or something out of hiding, to uncover, or to discover. It often conveys the idea of actively pursuing or searching for someone or something until they are found or revealed.
