To empty out is to remove all contents from a container or space, leaving it vacant: She emptied out her desk drawers before leaving the job.
The phrase emphasizes thoroughness—not just removing some things but clearing completely.
People empty out closets, garages, bank accounts.
A room empties out when everyone leaves.
1. purge — drain, Channel for wastewater; dump (Waste disposal site); flush (Same suit, five cards); gut (Digestive tract, or instinct); rid · remove · expel · dispose · discard · discharge · void · deplete · exhaust · eject
2. vacate — evacuate, Leave due to danger; clear (Without obstruction or fog); abandon (Leave behind permanently); leave (Sanctioned time away); desert · depart · exit · withdraw · flee · escape · relocate · decamp · disperse · scatter
Opposites
CONTENTS/FULLNESSempty out ≠ fill up Occupy entirely; fill · stock · load up · pack · replenish
DIRECTION OF MOVEMENTempty out ≠ pour in Enter in great numbers; put in · load in · bring in · take in · introduce
PRESENCE OF PEOPLE (leaving a space)empty out ≠ fill up Occupy entirely; crowd in · pack in · pile in · pour in · occupy
Categories
emptying: drain, dump, flush, evacuate, unload
Family
empty, out, emptiness, emptied, emptying, empties, empty-headed, emptier, empty-handed
- Familiarity
- Top 50,000
- Profile
- Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G