space out

Idioms  

1. Stupefy or disorient, as if or from a drug. For example, This medication spaces me out so I can't think clearly, or I wonder what those kids are on—they look totally spaced out. [1960s] Also see zone out.

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Example Sentences

Services can include detailed instructions on which cards to open and how to space out card applications to limit damage to credit scores.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 2, 2026

“There’s no reason to delay or space out vaccines,” O’Leary said.

From Salon • Dec. 6, 2025

Harry Maguire is the only United player used to a back three, and inexperience here is a particular concern given that Amorim’s aggressive high line leaves space out wide and in behind.

From BBC • Nov. 1, 2024

County Board of Supervisors voted to require that employers give those workers their schedules two weeks in advance, compensate them for last-minute schedule changes and space out their shifts by at least 10 hours.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2024

When a librarian at the George Bruce commented that I probably wasn’t reading all the books I took out, I began to space out my visits.

From "Bad Boy" by Walter Dean Myers