Meaning & Definition of word "Drain"

Drain

/dreɪn/

noun:

  • 1. A pipe or channel through which liquid is carried away.
    • Example: The house is equipped with a proper drain to prevent flooding.
  • 2. The act of removing liquid, particularly waste liquid, from a place.
    • Example: The drain of the pool needs to be cleaned regularly.
  • 3. A reduction in resources or energy.
    • Example: The constant stress at work is a drain on his mental health.

verb:

  • 1. To remove liquid from something by allowing it to flow away.
    • Example: Please drain the excess water from the pasta before serving.
  • 2. To use up or diminish resources, energy, or strength.
    • Example: The marathon completely drained her energy.
  • 3. To cause a body of water to flow away or be emptied.
    • Example: The heavy rains caused the local river to drain quickly.

Etymology

Middle English drainen, from Old French drainer, related to Latin dragnare 'to draw' or 'to pull.'

Common Phrases and Expressions

drain someone dry:

To take all of someone's resources or energy.

drain the swamp:

To eliminate corruption or undesirable elements.

drain of resources:

A significant reduction in available resources.

Related Words

drainage:

The process of removing liquid from an area.

drainpipe:

A pipe that carries off liquid waste.

Slang Meanings of drain

Meaning: To feel emotionally exhausted.

Example Sentence: After that party, I felt totally drained.

Meaning: To consume or use up all of something.

Example Sentence: That game drained my phone battery.