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Glite Dictionary
to kit out

to kit out

1 4.2
To give people or a place the tools and clothes they need for an activity
  • phrasal verb
  • /kɪt aʊt/
  • UK
translation icon : equipar
  • Before the camping trip, she kitted out her backpack with a tent, sleeping bag, and cooking supplies.

Examples

  • His rig was fully kitted out with GPS and wireless modules, capable of tracking the little dude for up to 32 kilometres.

    Blog text (26)

  • Regarding the workers, can't they be kitted out with protective clothing that will shield them from the radiation?

    Blog text (20)

  • - Let's kit you out.

    The Hooligan Factory (2014)

  • You all kitted out, lads?

    Green Street Hooligans 2 (2009)

  • OK, so per usual I have a lovely drill press which I have kitted out on a nice stand.

  • Mortie's busy getting kitted out.

    Bridge of Spies (2015)

  • I am approaching what is obviously an elderly lady who is very well kitted out on a fancy European bike complete with Euro-stylish riding clothes.

    Blog text (23)

  • The team worked hard to kit out the expedition with all the necessary gear for their climb.

  • The school ensured that all students were kitted out with uniforms and sports equipment for the new year.

Synonyms

to equip
vsto kit out
276 3.2

To give people and things the tools or skills needed for a task

refers more narrowly to supplying physical equipment, tools, or clothing
to fit
vsto kit out
127 1.6

To give someone the equipment they need for a certain purpose

is similar but often used as a phrasal supply action in informal usage
to rig
vsto kit out
111 4.2

To set up equipment on a ship or machine so it is ready to use

refers more generally to supplying standard equipment and clothing for a purpose
to gear up
vsto kit out
68 3.7

To get ready for an activity by preparing people or equipment

focuses on actually supplying the necessary items rather than just preparatory arrangements
to fitted out
vsto kit out
1 3.2

To give a person, group, or place the equipment it needs

names the supplying action rather than the finished, supplied condition
to provision
vsto kit out
1 4.0

To supply someone with food or other needed items

is narrower, focusing specifically on supplying equipment, tools, or clothing
to kit
vsto kit out
1 3.5

To give someone the tools and equipment they need for a job

has identical meaning but uses the phrasal form rather than the single verb
to kit up
vsto kit out
  • UK
1 6.3

To give someone the gear they need

focuses on supplying others or things rather than mainly oneself
to fit out
vsto kit out
1 4.2

To give a person or place the supplies needed for a specific purpose

is the general act of supplying necessary equipment and clothing
outfitted
vsto kit out
3.9

A person or place that has the equipment and clothes needed for an activity

emphasizes the act of supplying gear and tools rather than the resultant state
accoutered
vsto kit out
  • Archaic
9.6

Having the clothing and equipment needed for a particular task like soldiers or climbers

applies more broadly to supplying general equipment, tools, or clothing
to rig out
vsto kit out
7.4

Add the equipment a place or thing needs to make it ready

is the general supplying of equipment, not specifically about accessory fitting

How Equipped

to equip
276 3.2
to outfit
13 3.7
to kit out
  • UK
1 4.2
to furnish
83 3.7
to supply
400 1.6

Surface Forms

kit out infinitive
kit outted past
kit outted past participle
kit outting present participle
kits out third person singular

Morphology

kit + out

The meaning 'to supply with necessary equipment' is directly derivable from 'kit' (a set of tools/equipment) combined with the particle 'out' which commonly signals distribution or provisioning in English phrasal verbs. This compositional pattern (noun + particle forming a verb meaning 'provide/distribute X') is regular and would be readily inferable by a B1 learner who knows both constituents.

Etymology

Kit out comes from army life: soldiers were given their kit, meaning all their gear, when items were handed out to them. So to kit out someone now means 'to supply them with the equipment they need'.