Main Entry:

³clear

Function:

verb

Date:

14th century

transitive verb

1 a: to make clear or translucent b: to free from pollution or cloudiness2: 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, dispatch5 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 clearinghouse7 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 verb1 a: to become clear <it cleared up quickly after the rain> b: to go away : vanish <the symptoms cleared gradually> c: sell2 a: to obtain permission to discharge cargo b: to conform to regulations or pay requisite fees prior to leaving port3: to pass through a clearinghouse4: 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