Clean out: meaning, definitions and examples

When you want to remove dirt, debris, or unnecessary items from a space or container, particularly when it requires significant effort.

• I need to clean out the garage this weekend
• They decided to clean out the old storage room to make more space

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.

• We had to clear out the building for the new tenants
• They were told to clear out of the area due to the flood warning

Used when focusing on removing contents until there is nothing left inside a container or space, usually without implying much effort.

• I emptied the trash bin this morning
• She emptied her backpack before packing for the trip

Often used when you are intentionally removing unwanted, harmful, or outdated items from a collection or system, sometimes with a connotation of thoroughness and finality.

• They decided to purge their wardrobe of old clothes
• The IT department purged the system of all outdated files

Used when referring to thoroughly cleaning a place or container by removing all its contents.

• He cleaned out the refrigerator before going on vacation.
• I need to clean out my closet and donate some clothes.

Typically used when someone is expressing strong emotions, such as anger or frustration, often to release pent-up feelings.

• She needed to vent after a stressful day at work.
• He vented his frustrations on social media.

Best used in a spiritual or supernatural sense to describe the act of driving out evil spirits or demons.

• The priest was called to exorcise the haunted house.
• They believed the ritual could exorcise negative energy from the room.