redout: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low FrequencyTechnical/Specialized
Quick answer
What does “redout” mean?
A medical condition, primarily in aviation or high-G activities, characterized by a reddening of vision due to blood being forced towards the head, as opposed to the more common blackout.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A medical condition, primarily in aviation or high-G activities, characterized by a reddening of vision due to blood being forced towards the head, as opposed to the more common blackout.
A physiological response to negative G-forces, where increased pressure in the blood vessels of the eyes and head causes visual disturbance. By extension, sometimes used metaphorically to describe a state of intense, disorienting pressure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both use it exclusively in technical aviation, aerospace, and high-performance contexts.
Connotations
Strongly associated with danger, physical strain, and the limits of human physiology under extreme acceleration.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general discourse in both varieties, known primarily to pilots, aerospace personnel, and enthusiasts.
Grammar
How to Use “redout” in a Sentence
The pilot experienced a redout.Negative Gs can cause a redout.A redout occurs when...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “redout” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The manoeuvre was so abrupt he nearly redouted.
American English
- Pull out of the dive slowly or you'll redout.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in aviation medicine, aerospace physiology, and engineering texts discussing human factors under acceleration.
Everyday
Virtually never used unless recounting a specific high-G experience (e.g., on a rollercoaster).
Technical
Primary domain. Used in pilot training, aerospace research, and discussions of flight safety and human performance limits.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “redout”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “redout”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “redout”
- Spelling it as 'redoubt'.
- Using it to describe any temporary loss of vision (it's specifically for negative Gs).
- Confusing it with 'blackout'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are opposites. A blackout (or greyout) is caused by positive G-forces, draining blood *away* from the head, leading to tunnel vision or loss of sight. A redout is caused by negative G-forces, forcing blood *towards* the head, causing a reddening of vision.
Yes, it's possible on rides that produce strong negative G-forces, such as rapid drops or inversions where you feel lifted out of your seat. However, the term is rarely used outside technical contexts.
Yes. It indicates extreme stress on the cardiovascular system, particularly the blood vessels in the eyes and brain, and can lead to retinal haemorrhage or stroke if severe and prolonged. It is a warning sign to immediately reduce G-forces.
'Redout' for the visual condition. 'Redoubt' is a completely different word (a military fortification). Confusing them is a very common spelling mistake due to identical pronunciation.
A medical condition, primarily in aviation or high-G activities, characterized by a reddening of vision due to blood being forced towards the head, as opposed to the more common blackout.
Redout is usually technical/specialized in register.
Redout: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɛd.aʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɛd.aʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember: Redout = Blood rushes to your head, making you see RED, like your face gets RED from hanging upside down. Opposite of blackout.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRESSURE IS A VISUAL FILTER (e.g., 'under pressure, his vision turned red').
Practice
Quiz
What primarily causes a redout?