clear

³clear

verb

Definition of CLEAR

transitive verb

1

a : to make clear or translucent b : to free from pollution or cloudiness

2

: to free from accusation or blame : exonerate, vindicate <the opportunity to clear himself>

3

a : to give insight to : enlighten b : to make intelligible : explain <clear up the mystery>

4

a : to free from what obstructs or is unneeded: as (1) : open 1b <clear a path> (2) : to remove unwanted growth or items from <clear the land of timber> (3) : to rid or make a rasping noise as if ridding (the throat) of phlegm (4) : to erase stored or displayed data from (as a computer or calculator) b : to empty of occupants <clear the room> c : disentangle <clear a fishing line> d : to remove from an area or place <clear the dishes from the table> e : transmit, dispatch

5

a : to submit for approval <clear it with me first> b : authorize, approve <cleared the article for publication>: as (1) : to certify as trustworthy <clear a person for classified information> (2) : to permit (an aircraft) to proceed usually with a specified action <the plane was cleared to land>

6

a : to free from obligation or encumbrance b : settle, discharge <clear an account> c (1) : to free (a ship or shipment) by payment of duties or harbor fees (2) : to pass through (customs) d : to gain without deduction : net <clear a profit> e : to put through a clearinghouse

7

a : to go over, under, or by without touching <the ball just cleared the uprights> b : to move through successfully : pass <the bill cleared the legislature>

intransitive verb

1

a : to become clear <it cleared up quickly after the rain> b : to go away : vanish <the symptoms cleared gradually> c : sell

2

a : to obtain permission to discharge cargo b : to conform to regulations or pay requisite fees prior to leaving port

3

: to pass through a clearinghouse

4

: to go to an authority (as for approval) before becoming effective

— clear·able \ˈklir-ə-bəl\ adjective

— clear·er \ˈklir-ər\ noun

— clear the air also clear the atmosphere

: to remove elements of hostility, tension, confusion, or uncertainty <had a long meeting to clear the air>

— clear the decks

: to make sweeping preparations for action

Examples of CLEAR

1. The sky cleared after the rain.
2. The weather is cloudy now, but it's clearing gradually.
3. The morning fog gradually cleared.
4. When the smoke cleared, we could see that the building had been completely destroyed.
5. The water cleared after the mud had settled.
6. My skin cleared when I started using the cream.
7. They cleared timber from the land.
8. She cleared everything out of the closet.
9. I'll clear those books out of the way.
10. The police ordered the crowd to clear the area.

First Known Use of CLEAR

14th century

Related to CLEAR

Synonyms: free, open, unblock

Antonyms: block

Related Words: ease, facilitate, loosen (up), smooth, unchoke, unclog, unplug, unstop; unclutter; strip

Near Antonyms: clog, close, dam, obstruct, plug, stop; clutter (up)

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide