Exhaust: meaning, definitions and examples

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exhaust

[ɪɡˈzɔːst ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

feeling

to make someone very tired

Synonyms

fatigue, tire out, wear out.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
exhaust	This term is often used to describe a state of being completely drained of energy, physically or mentally. It is typically used in a more general sense. After running the marathon, he felt completely exhausted. All the studying for exams really exhausted her.
tire out	This phrase is typically used in casual conversation to describe something or someone causing another to feel tired. It is generally less intense than 'exhaust'. Playing with the kids all day can really tire you out. The long meeting really tired him out.
wear out	This term often has a negative connotation and implies being overly used or worn down over time. It can describe both physical objects and feelings. These old shoes are completely worn out. She felt worn out after dealing with constant problems at work.
fatigue	Fatigue is commonly associated with ongoing tiredness that affects both physical and mental activities. It is often mentioned in medical or scientific contexts. Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that makes people feel extremely tired. Working long hours every day led to severe fatigue.

Examples of usage

The long journey exhausted her.
The exhausting work left him drained and weary.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

resources

to use all of something

Synonyms

consume, deplete, use up.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
exhaust	This word is often used when talking about completely using up a resource, idea, or options, leaving nothing left. It can also mean making someone extremely tired. They exhausted all their savings on the project. Running a marathon will exhaust you if you're not trained.
consume	Typically used when talking about eating, drinking, or using resources, especially over a period of time. It can also imply large amounts being used up. Americans consume a lot of fast food. This new process consumes more energy than the old one.
deplete	Often used in formal or scientific contexts when talking about resources being reduced significantly or completely. Overfishing has depleted the oceans of many species. The budget has been severely depleted by unexpected costs.
use up	Informal way of saying that all of something has been used, typically focusing on the complete usage or depletion. Don't use up all the milk; we need some for breakfast. She quickly used up her phone's battery playing games.

Examples of usage

The fire quickly exhausted the fuel supply.
The company exhausted its budget for the year.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

topics

to discuss or consider all possibilities or options

Synonyms

consider exhaustively, explore fully, investigate thoroughly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
exhaust	Used when talking about completely using up a resource or giving someone a task that drains their energy. Can have a negative connotation implying tiredness or depletion. The marathon exhausted all of his energy. They exhausted their funds during the trip.
explore fully	Used when talking about examining or investigating something in detail but often in a more open-ended or less formal way than 'investigate thoroughly'. The research team decided to explore fully the new possibilities in renewable energy. They planned to explore fully the historical sites during their vacation.
investigate thoroughly	Used in formal settings, especially in legal, scientific, and academic contexts, indicating a detailed and complete examination of facts or data. The police promised to investigate thoroughly the circumstances of the crime. Scientists need to investigate thoroughly any new claims before accepting them as facts.
consider exhaustively	Used in academic or professional settings when discussing thorough and complete consideration of a topic or issue. The committee needs to consider exhaustively all the potential risks before making a decision. She considered the proposal exhaustively before giving her approval.

Examples of usage

The committee exhausted all possible solutions before making a decision.
She exhausted every argument in her presentation.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'exhaustus,' meaning 'to draw out or empty out.'
It combined 'ex-' (out of) with 'haurire' (to draw), suggesting the idea of drawing something out completely.

Science

In physics, 'exhaust' refers to gases expelled from combustion engines, crucial for understanding how engines work.
Exhaust can affect air quality, as pollutants are released, which contributes to environmental concerns like smog.

Cultural References

In literature and film, characters often experience 'exhaustion' as a metaphor for emotional and physical limits.
Many songs explore the theme of exhaustion, expressing struggles and the need for rest.

Psychology

'Burnout' is a term used to describe extreme mental exhaustion due to prolonged stress, commonly affecting workers in demanding jobs.
Mental exhaustion can have physical effects, contributing to feelings of fatigue and decreased focus.

Technology

Modern cars often have sophisticated exhaust systems designed to minimize harmful emissions that can lead to environmental issues.
Electric vehicles do not have traditional exhaust systems, marking a shift toward cleaner technology.

Translations

Translations of the word "exhaust" in other languages:

🇵🇹 exaustão

🇮🇳 थकावट

🇩🇪 Erschöpfung

🇮🇩 kelelahan

🇺🇦 виснаження

🇵🇱 wyczerpanie

🇯🇵 疲労 (ひろう)

🇫🇷 épuisement

🇪🇸 agotamiento

🇹🇷 tükenme

🇰🇷 기진맥진

🇸🇦 إرهاق

🇨🇿 vyčerpání

🇸🇰 vyčerpanie

🇨🇳 疲劳 (píláo)

🇸🇮 izčrpanost

🇮🇸 þreyta

🇰🇿 шаршау

🇬🇪 დაღლილობა

🇦🇿 yorğunluq

🇲🇽 agotamiento

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,705 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
5702 tales
5703 qualitative
5704 efficacy
5705 exhaust
5706 overwhelming
5707 sinking
5708 institute
...