Main Entry: ³clear

Function: verb

Date: 14th century

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