evacuation

[ ih-vak-yoo-ey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act or process of evacuating, or the condition of being evacuated; discharge or expulsion, as of contents.
2. Physiology. discharge, as of waste matter through the excretory passages, especially from the bowels.
3. something evacuated or discharged.
4. the removal of persons or things from an endangered area.
5. clearance by removal of troops, equipment, etc.
6. the withdrawal or removal of troops, civilians, etc.

Other Words From

• e·vac·u·a·tive [ih-, vak, -yoo-ey-tiv], adjective
• none·vacu·ation noun
• ree·vacu·ation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of evacuation¹

1350–1400; Middle English evacuacioun < Late Latin ēvacuātion- (stem of ēvacuātiō ). See evacuate, -ion

Example Sentences

The Israeli military has said its six-week-long offensive targets regrouping Hamas fighters, and that it is facilitating civilian evacuations and supply deliveries to hospitals.

From BBC

Israeli troops have continued clearing northern Gaza of inhabitants, calling for mass evacuations that many rights groups contend are a prelude to Israel’s occupation of parts of the enclave.

From Los Angeles Times

In the village of Passu, just over an hour’s drive from Hassanabad, they are holding an evacuation drill; preparation for potential destruction.

From BBC

More than 400,000 people heeded evacuation orders ahead of the storm, civil defence said.

From BBC

Israel has issued a general evacuation order for the south of Lebanon since its ground invasion began.

From BBC

Related Words

• departure
• exodus
• removal
• retreat