clear out

verb

cleared out; clearing out; clears out

intransitive verb

: depart

transitive verb

: to drive out or away usually forcibly

Synonyms of clear out

• 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

But researchers say understanding how the gene interacts with microglia, the brain’s resident immune cells responsible for clearing out waste, could point toward new approaches for limiting Alzheimer’s progression. — Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2026

In a final blow, the newspaper was ordered to clear out its Moscow offices. — ABC News, 9 Nov. 2026

Before your next gathering, give your hosting essentials a quick refresh by clearing out the clutter that’s taking up valuable space. — Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Nov. 2026

What’s more, rain can actually help keep your unit clean by clearing out small debris that naturally collects, says TJ Laury, president of Ben’s ProServ. — Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 8 Nov. 2026

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