empty out

empty out

1. To remove all of the contents of some space or container. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "empty" and "out." I had so much junk in my car that it took me an hour to empty it out. Empty out that pot so I can wash it. Can you please empty out this closet so we can actually put coats in it again?

2. By extension, to cause someone to vomit, defecate, or urinate. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "empty" and "out." The Poison Control Center said that you should drink this stuff to empty yourself out. A week of the flu really emptied me out. No booze for me, thanks. My last night at the bar emptied me out, and I'm not over it yet!

3. To become empty because everyone has left. The arena emptied out as soon as the concert ended. Would you please be patient? It takes time for a plane to empty out. Don't worry, the bus will empty out when we get to the train station, and then we'll be able to sit down.

See also: empty, out

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

empty someone out

to cause someone to empty the bowels, stomach, or bladder. This medication will empty you out. This stuff could empty out an army! He fasted for two days to empty himself out.

See also: empty, out

empty something out

to remove or pour all of the contents from something. Please empty this drawer out and clean it. She emptied out the aquarium and cleaned it well.

See also: empty, out

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

empty out

v.

1. To remove all the contents of something: I emptied out the trash barrel. The trash can is full—please empty it out.

2. To remove something from a container, leaving the container empty: I emptied the trash out of the can into a plastic bag. If you empty out all that junk from the garage, there will be some room for my bicycle.

3. To become devoid of people: The room emptied out after the mayor's speech.

See also: empty, out

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.