Clean out Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐งน
clean out
[kliหn aสt ]
Definitions
daily routine
To remove unwanted or unnecessary items or contents from a place or container.
Synonyms
clear out, empty, purge.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| clean out |
When you want to remove dirt, debris, or unnecessary items from a space or container, particularly when it requires significant effort.
|
| clear out |
For removing all items or people from a place, often quickly or thoroughly, sometimes implying urgency or force. It can sometimes have a negative connotation.
|
| empty |
Used when focusing on removing contents until there is nothing left inside a container or space, usually without implying much effort.
|
| purge |
Often used when you are intentionally removing unwanted, harmful, or outdated items from a collection or system, sometimes with a connotation of thoroughness and finality.
|
Examples of usage
- I need to clean out my closet and get rid of all the clothes I no longer wear.
- We should clean out the fridge before going grocery shopping.
emotional
To express or release one's emotions, especially negative ones, in a cathartic manner.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| clean out |
Used when referring to thoroughly cleaning a place or container by removing all its contents.
|
| vent |
Typically used when someone is expressing strong emotions, such as anger or frustration, often to release pent-up feelings.
|
| exorcise |
Best used in a spiritual or supernatural sense to describe the act of driving out evil spirits or demons.
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Examples of usage
- She cleaned out her feelings by writing in her journal.
- He cleaned out his anger by going for a long run.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Cleaning out a space can help reduce stress, as clutter is often linked to anxiety and confusion.
- Decluttering can provide a sense of accomplishment and promote mental clarity, leading to improved focus.
Cultural Practices
- Many cultures have spring cleaning traditions, where homes are deep-cleaned to welcome new seasons and good fortune.
- In Japan, a practice called 'osouji' occurs at the end of the year, where homes are thoroughly cleaned to rid of negativity.
Literature
- The literal and metaphorical act of cleaning out areas in stories often symbolizes character growth and new beginnings.
- Cleaning out spaces is a common theme in children's books, teaching the value of tidiness and organization in a relatable way.
Pop Culture
- Reality TV shows often focus on cleaning and organizing, highlighting people's lives transforming through decluttering.
- The phrase has inspired social media trends around minimalism and 'clean out challenges,' where participants share their organization journeys online.
Origin of 'clean out'
Main points about word origin
- The phrase 'clean out' originates from the combination of 'clean', meaning free from dirt, and 'out', indicating the act of removal.
- The term became popular in English around the late 19th century as home organization began to be emphasized.
The origin of the phrase 'clean out' comes from the combination of the words 'clean' meaning to make something free of dirt or impurities, and 'out' indicating removal or expulsion. The expression has been used since the early 19th century in various contexts, originally referring to cleaning physical spaces.