The word “drain” refers to the act of removing liquid, energy, or resources from a person, object, or system, often leaving it empty, weakened, or depleted. It can describe both physical and figurative processes. For instance, you drain water from a sink by letting it flow out through the pipe, or you drain energy when you overwork yourself without rest. In emotional contexts, stressful situations can drain someone’s enthusiasm and leave them feeling exhausted. Financially, large expenses can drain a person’s savings, putting a strain on their resources. The term often conveys a sense of gradual but inevitable reduction, as if something is slowly being emptied. Whether it is liquid from a container, energy from a person, or resources from a system, to drain is to remove something vital until little or nothing is left.
Sample Sentences
- The plumber had to drain the clogged sink before repairing the pipe.
- Long hours at work began to drain her of all energy and enthusiasm.
- Financial troubles continued to drain his savings, leaving him anxious.
- The heavy rain started to drain into the nearby stormwater system.
- Negative people can drain your motivation if you are not careful.
- After the marathon, he felt completely drained of energy and strength.
- The battery will drain quickly if you keep the flashlight on all night.
- Continuous disputes within the team drained everyone’s morale.
- He decided to drain the fuel tank before attempting repairs on the car.
- The long hike through rough terrain drained the group of their stamina.
Synonyms for “Drain”
- Deplete
- Empty
- Exhaust
- Diminish
- Evacuate
- Remove
- Siphon
- Discharge
- Reduce
- Withdraw
Antonyms for “Drain”
- Fill
- Replenish
- Restore
- Recharge
- Load
- Supply
- Energize
- Saturate
- Infuse
- Add
Related Words and Expressions
Related Words:
- Deplete
- Exhaust
- Empty
- Withdraw
- Diminish
- Siphon
- Evacuate
- Eradicate
- Consume
- Reduce
Phrasal Verbs:
- Drain out (to empty something completely of liquid or substance)
- Drain away (to disappear or flow out gradually)
- Drain off (to remove excess liquid or resources)
- Run down (to drain energy or resources gradually)
- Siphon off (to drain or remove something, often illicitly)
Idiomatic Expressions:
- Run on empty (to be drained of energy but continue functioning)
- A drain on resources (something that uses up energy, time, or money excessively)
- Suck the life out of (to figuratively drain energy or enthusiasm from someone)
- Down the drain (to be wasted or lost completely)
- Worn to a frazzle (to be completely drained of energy or patience)