clear out

verb

cleared out; clearing out; clears out

intransitive verb

: depart

transitive verb

: to drive out or away usually forcibly

Synonyms

• disperse

Examples of clear out in a Sentence

police used tear gas to clear out the demonstrators

everyone cleared out as soon as the fire alarm began sounding

Recent Examples on the Web

Here, plant extracts like cypress leaf and skullcap help balance oil and prevent future congestion, while willow bark extract and salicylic acid clear out dead skin and visibly tighten pores. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2025

The locker room all but clears out before quarterback Patrick Mahomes returns to the interview room that Reid just vacated. —Sam McDowell October 7, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2025

Last week in Chicago, federal agents descended in a Blackhawk to clear out an entire apt complex, dragging children out of their beds and zip-tying residents for hours without articulating any probable cause. —Carlo Versano, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025

The discount also might be a sign that the company wants to clear out some inventory. —Senior Reporter, PC Magazine, 6 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for clear out

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout

Kids Definition

clear out

verb

1

: to go or run away often suddenly or secretly

a horse broke loose and cleared out

cleared out without paying me back

2

: to drive out or away usually with force

police cleared out the demonstrators