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empty out

A2 neutral separable both
In simple words

To take everything out of something, or for a place to have no people left in it.

Literal meaning: To make something completely empty by taking things out — fully transparent.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To remove all the contents from a container, bag, room, or space.

"He emptied out all his pockets before putting his jeans in the washing machine."

Grammar: separable
2 A2 neutral

(Of a place) to become completely empty of people.

"The cinema emptied out quickly once the credits began to roll."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Very common and easy to understand. Can be used transitively ('She emptied out her bag') or intransitively ('The stadium emptied out quickly after the match'). Used in both British and American English by all age groups.

Commonly used with

bag pockets room stadium box drawer

Forms

Base
empty out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
empties out
he/she/it
Past simple
emptied out
yesterday
Past participle
emptied out
have + pp
-ing form
emptying out
continuous

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