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vacate

verb
va·​cate | \ ˈvā-ˌkāt How to pronounce vacate (audio) , vā-ˈkāt How to pronounce vacate (audio) \
vacated; vacating

Definition of vacate

transitive verb

1a : to deprive of an incumbent or occupant
b : to give up the incumbency or occupancy of
2 : to make legally void : annul

intransitive verb

: to vacate an office, post, or tenancy
Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about vacate

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Examples of vacate in a Sentence

She refused to vacate her post even under increased pressure. The election will fill the congressional seat vacated by the retiring senator. The police told everyone to vacate the premises. Students must vacate their rooms at the end of the semester. The court vacated the conviction.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Toro, who speaks English, Spanish and French, took the roster spot vacated when infielder Jack Mayfield was optioned to AAA. — David Barron, Houston Chronicle, "Astros call up utilityman Abraham Toro from Triple-A," 22 Aug. 2019 Norma Anel Cavazos, a court coordinator at the Bexar County courthouse, was the sole applicant for the spot vacated by longtime trustee David Abundis in July, officials said. — Krista Torralva, ExpressNews.com, "Harlandale ISD getting new board member," 20 Aug. 2019 Smith fills the roster spot vacated by kicker-punter Kaare Vedvik, who was traded to the Minnesota Vikings for a fifth-round draft pick Sunday. — Jonas Shaffer, baltimoresun.com, "Ravens sign punter Sean Smith, two days after trading Kaare Vedvik," 13 Aug. 2019 The other freshmen quarterbacks came in with lofty credentials as well, so the competition for the spot vacated by Manny Wilkins, who graduated, has been the hot topic since the first time the trio took the field in February. — Michelle Gardner, azcentral, "Arizona State football could have a secret weapon in versatile Ethan Long," 6 Aug. 2019 The stage will also feature debate newcomer Steve Bullock, the governor of Montana, who missed out on the first faceoff in Miami but this time took the spot vacated by Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., who dropped out of the race earlier this month. — NBC News, "Second Democratic debate kicks off in Detroit with Warren and Sanders," 30 July 2019 Robin Lopez takes the spot vacated by Pau Gasol and Jon Leuer takes Tony Snell's role. — J. Michael, Indianapolis Star, "Ranking the NBA East: Where do Indiana Pacers stack up for 2019-20 season? It's complicated," 29 July 2019 There appeared to be a possibility Wilkerson – at least for the short term – would take the rotation spot vacated by Jimmy Nelson's move to the bullpen. — Todd Rosiak, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Focused on the present, Aaron Wilkerson has had a great season at Class AAA San Antonio," 23 June 2019 Stock was recalled Wednesday to bolster the Padres’ struggling bullpen and fill the roster spot vacated by Paddack. — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Padres notes: Chasing lefty history; Stock strikes back; Strahm to return," 12 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vacate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of vacate

1643, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

History and Etymology for vacate

New Latin vacātus, past participle of vacāre "to annul," going back to Latin, "to be empty, have space" (sense probably by confusion with Medieval Latin vacuāre "to annul," going back to Latin, "to empty," derivative of vacuus "empty") — more at vacant, vacuum entry 1

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More Definitions for vacate

vacate

verb
How to pronounce vacate (audio) How to pronounce vacate (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of vacate

formal : to leave (a job or position)
: to leave (a seat, hotel room, etc.)
US, law : to say officially that (a legal judgment) is no longer valid

See the full definition for vacate in the English Language Learners Dictionary

vacate

verb
va·​cate | \ ˈvā-ˌkāt How to pronounce vacate (audio) \
vacated; vacating

Kids Definition of vacate

: to leave empty or not used The tenants vacated the house.

vacate

verb
va·​cate
vacated; vacating

Legal Definition of vacate

transitive verb

1 : to make void : annul, set aside vacate a lower court order
2a : to make vacant
b : to give up the occupancy of

intransitive verb

: to vacate an office, post, or tenancy

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More from Merriam-Webster on vacate

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with vacate

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for vacate

Spanish Central: Translation of vacate

Nglish: Translation of vacate for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of vacate for Arabic Speakers

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