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

It's meant for drying out ski jackets, wetsuits, rain boots and the like and also includes an outdoor shower sprayer for cleaning dirty gear. —New Atlas, 18 July 2024

Prevent the area from fully drying out over the first few months as the small seedlings establish their root systems. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 18 July 2024

The thing that stood out the most to us was that this formula lathered really well, but didn’t dry out our skin, either. —Daley Quinn, Health, 18 July 2024

Then go in for a double cleanse with Caudalie's hydrating cleansing oil, which removes all gunk on your face without drying out skin. —Jenifer Calle, Glamour, 16 July 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