Vacate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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vacate
[vəˈkeɪt ]
Definitions
Context #1 | Verb
legal
To leave or give up possession of something, such as a property or a position.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The tenants were asked to vacate the apartment by the end of the month.
- The court ordered the company to vacate the premises immediately.
Context #2 | Verb
general
To leave a place that one previously occupied.
Synonyms
depart, exit, move out.
Examples of usage
- The students vacated the classroom after the bell rang.
- The protesters were asked to vacate the area peacefully.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Legal Context
- In legal terms, to vacate a property means to officially leave it, often in respect to rental agreements.
- Vacating can also refer to the cancellation of legal decisions, where a court might vacate a ruling, making it null.
Cultural Practices
- In some cultures, vacating a home or space before a new beginning, like marriage or a new job, is a common ritual.
- During festivals, people often vacate their city or town to celebrate, creating a temporary emptiness in urban spaces.
Psychological Perspective
- Vacating a space can also have psychological effects, providing a fresh start or clearing mental clutter.
- Therapists might suggest 'vacating' negative thoughts as a way to improve mental well-being.
Literature
- In literature, the act of vacating a space often symbolizes a character's journey or transformation.
- Classic works frequently use this theme to signify a departure from the past or a change in circumstances.
Origin of 'vacate'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'vacare', meaning 'to be empty' or 'to free'.
- It entered the English language in the 15th century, adapting to mean 'to abandon or leave'.
The word 'vacate' comes from the Latin word 'vacare', meaning 'to be empty or free'. The term was originally used in legal contexts to refer to leaving a property or position. Over time, it has also been adopted in general language to mean leaving a place. The concept of vacating has been associated with the idea of creating space or making something available for others.