VocabDictionary

vacate

/ˈveɪ.keɪt/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.verb

To leave a place, such as a room, building, or seat, that one has been occupying.

Example Sentences:
  • Guests are requested to vacate their rooms by 11:00 a.m. on the day of departure.
  • The protesters refused to vacate the building despite the police warnings.
2.verb

To give up or relinquish a position, office, or title.

Example Sentences:
  • The CEO decided to vacate his position after twenty years of service.
  • The judge moved to vacate the previous ruling due to new evidence.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “vacate”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'vacare', meaning 'to be empty, free, or at leisure.' It shares a root with 'vacant' and 'vacuum.' Historically, it evolved through Old French 'vacater' before entering Middle English in the 15th century, originally used in legal contexts to describe the annulment of a judgment or the act of leaving a position empty.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'vacation': when you go on vacation, you vacate your house (leave it empty).

Frequently Asked Questions About “vacate

1. What is the meaning of “vacate” in English?

In English, vacate (verb) is defined as: “To leave a place, such as a room, building, or seat, that one has been occupying.”.

2. How do you use “vacate” in a sentence?

Guests are requested to vacate their rooms by 11:00 a.m. on the day of departure.

3. What are English synonyms of “vacate”?

Common synonyms include:abandon,evacuate,relinquish,depart,surrender

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “vacate”?

Derived from the Latin 'vacare', meaning 'to be empty, free, or at leisure.' It shares a root with 'vacant' and 'vacuum.' Historically, it evolved through Old French 'vacater' before entering Middle English in the 15th century, originally used in legal contexts to describe the annulment of a judgment or the act of leaving a position empty.