Exhaust
/ɪɡˈzɔːst/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo deplete (resources, energy, etc.) completely; to cause extreme tiredness.
/ɪɡˈzɔːst/
To use up all of something or to drain something
The marathon runner was completely exhausted after the race.
💡 Simply: To use up all of something, like when you're so tired after playing all day that you have no energy left, or like the tank is empty.
👶 For kids: To use up all of something, like your energy or the juice in your juice box!
More Examples
We exhausted our supply of firewood during the winter.
The investigation exhausted every possible lead.
How It's Used
"The long hike exhausted their energy."
"The engine exhausts fumes into the atmosphere."
"The constant pressure exhausted his mental reserves."
The escape of gases or fumes from an engine or machine.
/ɪɡˈzɔːst/
The escape of fumes or gases
The exhaust from the factory was polluting the air.
💡 Simply: The stuff that comes out of a car's pipe when it's running, like smelly smoke.
👶 For kids: The smoke that comes out of a car's tailpipe!
More Examples
The mechanic checked the exhaust for leaks.
The smell of exhaust filled the garage.
How It's Used
"The car's exhaust system needs repair."
"Air pollution is often caused by vehicle exhaust."
A system for expelling waste gases (as from an engine).
/ɪɡˈzɔːst/
A system that deals with waste gas
The exhaust on my car is getting rusty.
💡 Simply: The set of pipes or parts in a machine that takes the smelly fumes away.
👶 For kids: The set of pipes on a car that let the smoke out
More Examples
They installed a new exhaust for a quieter engine.
The technician is checking for leaks in the exhaust.
How It's Used
"The car's exhaust system needs repair."
"The mechanic inspected the exhaust for leaks."
Idioms & expressions
exhaust oneself
To cause oneself extreme tiredness.
"He exhausted himself by working too hard on the project."
From Latin *exhaurire* ('to draw out, empty out'), from *ex-* ('out') + *haurire* ('to draw').
The word 'exhaust' has been used since the 14th century, originally referring to 'to draw out' or 'to empty'. Its meaning related to tiredness developed later.
Memory tip
Imagine a gas tank being completely empty – it's exhausted of fuel.
Word Origin
"to draw out, empty out"