dry out

verb

dried out; drying out; dries out

intransitive verb

: to undergo an extended period of withdrawal from alcohol or drug use especially at a special clinic

Examples of dry out in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

During the ice ages, the caves dried out as the sea level dropped, and the seeping water from the surface decorated the caverns with deposits such as stalagmites and stalactites, collectively known as speleothems. —Martin Broen, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Oct. 2024

There’s nothing worse than the winter weather drying out your scalp. —Rebecca Martinson, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2024

Causes of Dry Hair How does hair dry out in the first place? —Audrey Noble, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2024

When the top inch of soil dries out, water the plant again. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

dry-out

1 of 2 adjective

ˈdrī-ˌau̇t 

: providing detoxification treatment

checked into a dry-out clinic

dry out

2 of 2 transitive verb

(ˈ)drī-ˈau̇t 

: to subject to withdrawal from the use of alcohol or drugs : detoxify sense 2

intransitive verb

: to undergo an extended period of withdrawal from alcohol or drug use especially at a special clinic : detoxify