verb
exhaust
ig-ZAWST/ɪɡzˈɔst/
To use up something completely.
The strenuous cycling exhausts the woman's strength, leaving her slumped over the handlebars.
Etymology
The original image is drawing water out until a supply is emptied. This became using something up completely, and then making a person weak through fatigue.
In context
if you lay siege to a town you will exhaust your strength again if the campaign is protracted
More examples
- The hikers exhausted their water supply before reaching camp.
- Running the generator quickly exhausts our fuel reserves.
- We exhaust every option before canceling a project.
Forms
exhaust · exhausts · exhausted · exhausting
exhaustion noun — The state of being completely used up.