Evacuate

Definition

Evacuate means to remove people or things from a place of danger to a safer location. It can also refer to the process of emptying or clearing an area or substance.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪˈvækjueɪt/
• Respelling: ih-VAK-yoo-ayt

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪˈvækjueɪt/
• Respelling: ih-VAK-yoo-ayt

The pronunciation of "evacuate" is consistent in both American and British English, with emphasis on the second syllable.

Etymology

The word "evacuate" originates from the Latin word "evacuare," meaning "to empty out." This term is formed by combining "e-" meaning "out" and "vacuare," meaning "to empty."

Derivatives

• Evacuation (noun)
• Evacuated (adjective)
• Evacuator (noun)
• Re-evacuate (verb)
• Evacuative (adjective)

Synonyms

• Clear
• Empty
• Remove

Antonyms

• Occupy
• Fill
• Populate

Usage

The word "evacuate" is commonly used in emergency situations, such as natural disasters or military operations, where people need to be moved to a safer place. It is also used in medical contexts, where it refers to the process of emptying the bowels or other organs.

Related Terms

• Exodus: A mass departure of people, especially emigrants.
• Displacement: The moving of something from its place or position.
• Relocation: The process of moving to a new place and establishing one's home or business there.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To remove people from a place of danger to a safer location: Refers to the act of moving people away from a hazardous area.
  • Example: "Residents were ordered to evacuate the town before the hurricane hit."
• To empty a place or substance: Refers to the process of clearing an area or removing contents from something.
  • Example: "The hospital was evacuated due to a bomb threat."