Phrase guide

clear out

verb · 9 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To completely empty.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • We had to clear out the attic so the guest could sleep there.
  • Clear out your e-mail inbox to make more space.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To rob or steal from (someone).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • Kelly disappeared last night, and she cleared me out.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To be victorious in gambling against (someone); to financially ruin (someone).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • I don't have any money, Betty cleared me out.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: clean out

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

to remove or eject (from), especially forcibly.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • The police cleared the crowd out of the street to investigate the accident.
  • We need to get the trees cleared out the way before anything can drive down this path.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

5

verb

Meaning 5

To leave quickly.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive

Examples

  • They cleared out as soon as the cops arrived.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: cheese it

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: get out

6

verb

Meaning 6

To become empty.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive

Examples

  • The town is packed in the summer, but clears out in the winter.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: empty out

Antonyms: none provided

7

verb

Meaning 7

empty completely

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • We cleaned out all the drawers

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: clean out

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: empty

Narrower terms: clinker

8

verb

Meaning 8

clear out the chest and lungs

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • This drug expectorates quickly

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: expectorate, drive out

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: remove, take, take away, withdraw

9

verb

Meaning 9

move out and leave nothing behind

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: move out

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

7 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Polish: wyrzucać — transitive: to remove or eject (from), especially forcibly
  • Polish: wyrzucić — transitive: to remove or eject (from), especially forcibly
  • Spanish: escombrear — transitive: to remove or eject (from), especially forcibly
  • Spanish: despejar — transitive: to remove or eject (from), especially forcibly
  • Spanish: espejar — transitive: to remove or eject (from), especially forcibly
  • Welsh: clirio allan — transitive: to remove or eject (from), especially forcibly
  • Welsh: gyrru allan — transitive: to remove or eject (from), especially forcibly