Drain

English Meaning

To draw off by degrees; to cause to flow gradually out or off; hence, to cause the exhaustion of.

1. To draw off (a liquid) by a gradual process: drained water from the sink.
2. To cause liquid to go out from; empty: drained the bathtub; drain the pond.
3. To draw off the surface water of: The Mississippi River drains a vast area.
4. To drink all the contents of: drained the cup.
5. To deplete gradually, especially to the point of complete exhaustion. See Synonyms at deplete.
6. To fatigue or spend emotionally or physically: The day's events completely drained me of all strength.
7. To flow off or out: Gasoline drained slowly from the tilted can.
8. To become empty by the drawing off of liquid: watched the tub slowly drain.
9. To discharge surface or excess water: The Niagara River drains into Lake Ontario. When flooded, the swamp drains northward.
10. To become gradually depleted; dwindle: felt his enthusiasm draining.
11. A pipe or channel by which liquid is drawn off.
12. Medicine A device, such as a tube, inserted into the opening of a wound or body cavity to facilitate discharge of fluid or purulent material.
13. The act or process of draining.
14. A gradual outflow or loss; consumption or depletion: the drain of young talent by emigration.
15. Something that causes a gradual loss: interruptions that are a drain on my patience.
16. down the drain To or into the condition of being wasted or lost: All of our best laid plans are down the drain.