Drain Meaning
Drain Definition & Usage
A pipe or channel designed to carry away excess water or waste material.
Examples
- "The storm drain overflowed during the heavy rain."
- "We need to repair the drainage system to prevent flooding."
- "The city is investing in a new drainage system for the area."
- "Clogged drains can cause significant water damage in homes."
- "The construction workers are installing drains to manage wastewater."
To remove liquid or waste material from something, typically by allowing it to flow away.
Examples
- "He drained the bathtub after his long soak."
- "The workers drained the pool before starting repairs."
- "She drained the pasta into the colander to remove the water."
- "You should drain the oil from the car before changing the filter."
- "The lake was drained to allow for maintenance work on the dam."
To deplete or exhaust something, especially resources or energy.
Examples
- "The constant meetings have drained all my energy."
- "The project has drained our budget, leaving little for further expenses."
- "The stress of the job is starting to drain her enthusiasm."
- "Excessive noise can drain your concentration over time."
- "Working late every night is beginning to drain his willpower."
Cultural Context
The concept of draining or removing excess water has been central to human civilization for centuries, particularly in flood-prone areas or during the construction of infrastructure. In modern times, the word 'drain' also carries a metaphorical sense of depletion, which can apply to both emotional and physical exhaustion.
The Endless Drain
Story
The Endless Drain
Jenna had always prided herself on her energy. As a project manager at a high-pressure tech startup, she was used to long hours and tight deadlines. But lately, something had changed. It wasn't just the stress; it was as if her energy was being drained, slowly but surely, day by day. The constant meetings, the never-ending email chains, the pressure to meet impossible targets—it all felt like a never-ending flood of tasks. She felt like a drain had been opened somewhere inside her, and no matter how much she tried to plug it, more and more of her enthusiasm slipped away. One evening, exhausted from another 12-hour workday, Jenna decided to take a break. She stepped into her kitchen and prepared a simple dinner, carefully draining the pasta water before serving it. As she drained the last bit of liquid from the pot, she realized something. The act of draining—the removal of excess—wasn’t just physical. It was symbolic. She was removing the excess stress that had been building up over time, and maybe, just maybe, it was time to let some of that energy flow back into her life. She took a deep breath and made a promise to herself. Tomorrow, she would drain the negativity from her work life and focus on what truly mattered. No more late nights. No more burnout. Jenna smiled, realizing that draining wasn’t just for the kitchen—it was time to drain her life of unnecessary clutter and start fresh.
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