draw out

verb

drew out; drawn out; drawing out; draws out

transitive verb

1

: remove, extract

2

: to extend beyond a minimum in time : protract sense 1

3

: to cause to speak freely

a reporter's ability to draw a person out

Synonyms

• drag (out)
• elongate
• extend
• lengthen
• outstretch
• prolong
• protract
• stretch

Examples of draw out in a Sentence

the actor refused to draw out the interview any further

Recent Examples on the Web

Sifting through the hundreds of letters in Random House’s archives, Melina Moe draws out what made Morrison’s so special. —Peter Rubin, Longreads, 1 Apr. 2024

Instead, deep questions focus on drawing out and understanding another person’s perspective, motivations and concerns. —Liz Kislik, Forbes, 30 Mar. 2024

These local pilots go through a rigorous selection process and apprenticeship – and tests such as drawing out the diagrams for their local ports – before handling small ships. —Troy Aidan Sambajon, The Christian Science Monitor, 27 Mar. 2024

Ghee supposedly acts as a scavenger, drawing out toxic waste matter (known as ama) and pushing it into the intestinal tract for elimination. —Jane Alexander, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Feb. 2024

This draws out moisture from the surface, concentrating the flavor and locking in the firm texture. —Lucas Sin, Bon Appétit, 20 Mar. 2024

The 40-year resident of Tahoe’s north shore garnered 49% of the early returns, well ahead of Wayne Nader (25%) and outgoing Supervisor Jim Holmes (19%), who was drawn out of his seat in the latest redistricting update. —Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 6 Mar. 2024

Marcus elected to run for state commissioner of insurance after she was drawn out of her district during redistricting. —Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 6 Mar. 2024

Some lawmakers may retire, and others may have been drawn out of their districts. —Journal Sentinel, 1 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

draw out

verb

1

: to cause to last longer than usual

2

: to cause or encourage to speak freely

tried to draw the shy child out