make out

make out  {v.}

1. To write the facts asked for (as in an application blank or a report form); fill out.

The teacher made out the report cards and gave them to the students to take home.

Mrs. Smith gave the clerk in the store some money and the clerk made out a receipt.

2. To see, hear, or understand by trying hard.

It was dark, and we could not make out who was coming along the road.

They could not make out what the child had drawn.

The book had many hard words and Anne could not make out what the writer meant.

Mr. White does many strange things. No one can make him out.

Syn.: FIGURE OUT.

3.  {informal}

To make someone believe; show; prove.

Charles and Bob had a fight, and Charles tried to make out that Bob started it.

The boy said he did not take the money but the teacher found the money in the boy's desk and it made him out to be a liar.

4.  {informal}

Do well enough; succeed.

John's father wanted John to do well in school and asked the teacher how John was making out.

The sick woman could not make out alone in her house, so her friend came and helped her.

5. To kiss or pet.