exhaust
ihg-ZAWST
Exhaust (verb) means to use up something completely, or to wear someone out. Example: “The long hike exhausted the whole group.”
verb
1
To use up something completely, or to wear someone out.
"The long hike exhausted the whole group."
"They exhausted every option before giving up on the negotiation."
"Looking after three small children all day completely exhausts me."
noun
1
The waste gases released by an engine, or the system that carries them out.
"Black smoke was pouring from the car's exhaust."
"The mechanic found a hole in the exhaust and replaced the pipe."
"Fumes from the exhaust drifted across the car park."
How to use exhaust
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo use something up entirely or tire someone out — or, as a noun, the fumes/pipe on a vehicle.
Common pairings
exhaust pipe
exhaust fumes
exhaust all options
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Word forms
- Plural
- exhausts
- Third person singular
- exhausts
- Past tense
- exhausted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The long hike _____ the whole group.
Etymology
From Latin exhaurire, "to draw out completely, drain" — ex- plus haurire ("to draw, drink").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for exhaust
See all rhymes for exhaust →Frequently asked questions
What does “exhaust” mean?
The word “exhaust” means to use up something completely, or to wear someone out. In plain terms, to use something up entirely or tire someone out — or, as a noun, the fumes/pipe on a vehicle.
How do you pronounce “exhaust”?
“Exhaust” is pronounced ihg-ZAWST (/ɪɡˈzɔst/ in IPA).
How do you use “exhaust” in a sentence?
Here is “exhaust” used in a sentence: “The long hike exhausted the whole group.”
What is another word for “exhaust”?
Words with a similar meaning to “exhaust” include spend, consume, tire out, weary and tucker.
What part of speech is “exhaust”?
Depending on how it is used, “exhaust” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “exhaust” come from?
The word “exhaust” comes from Latin. From Latin exhaurire, "to draw out completely, drain" — ex- plus haurire ("to draw, drink").
Is “exhaust” a common word?
“Exhaust” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “exhaust” have?
“Exhaust” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to use up something completely, or to wear someone out.
What is the difference between exhaust and tire out?
Exhaust and tire out both mean to wear someone out, but exhaust often implies a more complete depletion of energy or resources, while tire out is a more everyday, slightly milder phrase. Exhaust can also apply to using up resources entirely, not just people's energy.
What is the difference between exhaust and consume?
Exhaust means to use up something completely, leaving nothing left, while consume means to use up a resource but does not always imply total depletion. "Exhaust your options" implies none remain, while "consume resources" simply means resources are being used.
How is exhaust used as a noun about vehicles?
As a noun, exhaust refers to the waste gases released by an engine, or to the system of pipes that carries those gases out of the vehicle, commonly called the exhaust pipe or exhaust system.
