clear out

verb

cleared out; clearing out; clears out

intransitive verb

: depart

transitive verb

: to drive out or away usually forcibly

Synonyms

• disband
• dispel
• disperse
• dissipate
• scatter
• squander

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

Greenfield, who's been in business for about three-and-a half years, said a client hired him to demo and clear out a building on Northwestern Parkway, which was involved in a fire late last year. —Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 6 Sep. 2024

These would include supply chain delays and cargo backlogs that would take nearly a week to clear out even if work stopped for just one day. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 5 Sep. 2024

Using a pressure washer at the right angle and level of water pressure is effective for clearing out a downspout. —Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Aug. 2024

Dozens of people were arrested on campus in April after police cleared out Hamilton Hall, which had been taken over by protesters. —Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, 10 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

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