rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryevacuateMoving to safety
verb

evacuate

ih-VAK-yoo-ayt/ɪˈvækjueɪt/

To empty a place or container by removing its contents.

The rescue worker evacuates the smoky building, guiding its occupants to safety.

A rescue worker guides adults out of a smoky building toward a clearly safe open area; no injuries.
Etymology
eLatinout
+vacuateLatinempty

The pieces suggest “empty out.” The meaning developed from expelling bodily contents to clearing or leaving a place, then to moving its inhabitants to safer ground.

In context

NBC News7:00
>> HE THEN MADE THE DIFFICULT DECISION TO EVACUATE THE NORTH TOWER BEFORE IT COLLAPSED, SAVING MANY LIVES.
Top Story with Tom Llamas - Sept. 11 | NBC News NOW

More examples

  • The pump evacuates air from the sealed container.
  • All liquid must be evacuated from the system before repairs begin.
  • The manager evacuates the theater when the fire alarm sounds.

Forms

evacuate · evacuates · evacuated · evacuating

evacuation noun — The removal of contents from a place.

Similar words

empty
Broader and more common for removing contents in everyday situations.
drain
Specifically emphasizes removing liquid rather than other kinds of contents.
clear
Often means removing unwanted items without making something completely empty.