drain

Pronunciation

• IPA: /dreɪn/
• American English: /dreyn/

Origin

From Old English drēahnian, meaning "to strain, drain"

Meanings

1. (verb) To remove liquid from something by letting it flow away or out
2. (verb) To deplete or exhaust resources, energy, or emotions
3. (noun) A channel or pipe that carries away water or other liquids
4. (noun) The act of draining something

Example Sentences

1. Please drain the pasta in the colander.
2. The constant stress is draining her energy.
3. The plumber fixed the clogged drain in the bathroom.
4. The drain of resources is affecting the company's productivity.

Related Words

• Forms: drains, draining, drained
• Synonyms:
  • (verb) empty, exhaust, deplete, sap
  • (noun) pipe, channel, outlet, sewer

Memorizable Tricks

• Think of the "ai" in "drain" as representing the flow of water or liquid.
• Remember the phrase "Down the drain" to associate with the act of something being lost or wasted.
• Visualize a bathtub with water going down the drain to connect the word with its primary meaning.