Dictionary entries for 'drain'

Synonyms

drain (drān)

[Middle English dreinen, to strain, drain, from Old English drēahnian.]

verb: drained, drain·ing, drains.

To draw off (a liquid) by a gradual process: drained water from the sink.
1. To cause liquid to go out from; empty: drained the bathtub; drain the pond.
2. To draw off the surface water of: The Mississippi River drains a vast area.
To drink all the contents of: drained the cup.
1. To deplete gradually, especially to the point of complete exhaustion. See synonyms at deplete
2. To fatigue or spend emotionally or physically: The day's events completely drained me of all strength.

To flow off or out: Gasoline drained slowly from the tilted can.
To become empty by the drawing off of liquid: watched the tub slowly drain.
To discharge surface or excess water: The Niagara River drains into Lake Ontario. When flooded, the swamp drains northward.
To become gradually depleted; dwindle: felt his enthusiasm draining.

A pipe or channel by which liquid is drawn off.
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.
The act or process of draining.
1. A gradual outflow or loss; consumption or depletion: the drain of young talent by emigration.
2. Something that causes a gradual loss: interruptions that are a drain on my patience.

down the drain: To or into the condition of being wasted or lost: All of our best laid plans are down the drain.