1. To sell an asset in exchange for money, often during times of hardship. I had so many legal expenses that I had to cash out by selling my house and moving into a studio apartment.

2. To count the money that a business has earned at the end of the business day. Your shift was over an hour ago, so you guys go on home—I'll cash out.

3. To pursue a simpler or calmer lifestyle, often by changing one's job or retiring from work altogether. Come on, you're 70 years old! It's time for you to cash out and spend more time at your vacation home.

4. To withdrawal funds from a bank or retirement account, perhaps depleting it. Sheila had saved so much money over the years that she finally cashed out and moved to an island. You're too young to cash out your 401(k) without incurring penalties.

5. To exchange one's chips for money after gambling. You should cash out now while you're ahead, before you start losing again.

6. To pay someone in exchange for something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "cash" and "out." Great job with the landscaping—let me cash you out.