Words / B2

ig-ZORST/ɪɡˈzɔːst/

To exhaust is to tire someone out, or to use something up: exhaust the options; exhausted (adjective, already in the dictionary). As a noun, exhaust is waste gas from an engine. Use up is everyday; tire is weaker. Do not exhaust the word limit on bullet one. Mix-up: exhaustive means complete, not tiring.

Meaning

To make someone very tired; also to use something up completely.

Examples

• “Do not exhaust the word limit on the first bullet.”
• “Exhaust fumes closed the underpass, which is the noun.”

Good to know

exhaust someone; exhaust a supply / options. Adjective: exhausted. Noun: exhaust (fumes). Trap: exhaustive (complete). Essays, engines, and sport.

Near in meaning

deplete

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