First Known Use: 1531
Dictionary
1exhaust
verb ex·haust \ig-ˈzȯst\
: to use all of someone's mental or physical energy : to tire out or wear out (someone) completely
: to completely use up (something, such as supplies or money)
: to try all of (something)
Full Definition of EXHAUST
transitive verb
1
a : to consume entirely : use up <exhausted our funds in a week> b : to tire extremely or completely <exhausted by overwork> c : to deprive of a valuable quality or constituent <exhaust a soil of fertility>
2
a : to draw off or let out completely b : to empty by drawing off the contents; specifically : to create a vacuum in
3
a : to consider or discuss (a subject) thoroughly or completely b : to try out the whole number of <exhausted all the possibilities>
intransitive verb
— ex·haust·er noun
— ex·haust·ibil·i·ty \-ˌzȯ-stə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
— ex·haust·ible \-ˈzȯ-stə-bəl\ adjective
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Origin of EXHAUST
Latin exhaustus, past participle of exhaurire, from ex- + haurire to draw; akin to Middle High German œsen to empty, Greek auein to take
Related to EXHAUST
Synonym Discussion of EXHAUST
deplete, drain, exhaust, impoverish, bankrupt mean to deprive of something essential to existence or potency. deplete implies a reduction in number or quantity so as to endanger the ability to function <depleting our natural resources>. drain implies a gradual withdrawal and ultimate deprivation of what is necessary to an existence <personal tragedy had drained him of all spirit>. exhaust stresses a complete emptying <her lecture exhausted the subject>. impoverish suggests a deprivation of something essential to richness or productiveness <impoverished soil>. bankrupt suggests impoverishment to the point of imminent collapse <war had bankrupted the nation of resources>.
tire, weary, fatigue, exhaust, jade, fag mean to make or become unable or unwilling to continue. tire implies a draining of one's strength or patience <the long ride tired us out>. weary stresses tiring until one is unable to endure more of the same thing <wearied of the constant arguing>. fatigue suggests great lassitude from excessive strain or undue effort <fatigued by the day's chores>. exhaust implies complete draining of strength by hard exertion <shoveling snow exhausted him>. jade suggests the loss of all freshness and eagerness <appetites jaded by overindulgence>. fag implies a drooping with fatigue <shoppers all fagged out by the Christmas rush>.
tire, weary, fatigue, exhaust, jade, fag mean to make or become unable or unwilling to continue. tire implies a draining of one's strength or patience <the long ride tired us out>. weary stresses tiring until one is unable to endure more of the same thing <wearied of the constant arguing>. fatigue suggests great lassitude from excessive strain or undue effort <fatigued by the day's chores>. exhaust implies complete draining of strength by hard exertion <shoveling snow exhausted him>. jade suggests the loss of all freshness and eagerness <appetites jaded by overindulgence>. fag implies a drooping with fatigue <shoppers all fagged out by the Christmas rush>.
Rhymes with EXHAUST
2exhaust
noun
: the mixture of gases produced by an engine
: a pipe or system of pipes through which exhaust is released
Full Definition of EXHAUST
1
a : the escape of used gas or vapor from an engine b : the gas or vapor thus escaping
2
a : the conduit through which used gases escape b : an arrangement for removing fumes, dusts, or odors from an enclosure
3
See exhaust defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of EXHAUST
1848
Other Automotive Terms
EXHAUSTED Defined for Kids
1exhaust
verb ex·haust \ig-ˈzȯst\
ex·haust·edex·haust·ing
Definition of EXHAUST for Kids
1
: to tire out : fatigue <Hard work will exhaust you.>
2
: to use up completely <We've exhausted our supplies.>
3
: to try out all of <We exhausted all options.>
2exhaust
noun
Definition of EXHAUST for Kids
1
: the gas that escapes from an engine
2
: a system of pipes through which exhaust escapes
Medical Dictionary
exhaust
transitive verb ex·haust \ig-ˈzȯst\
Medical Definition of EXHAUST
1
a : to draw off or let out completely b : to empty by drawing off the contents; specifically : to create a vacuum in
2
a : to use up : consume completely b : to tire extremely or completely <exhausted by overwork>
3
: to extract completely with a solvent <exhaust a drug with alcohol>
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