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to clear

to clear

7 4.9
To remove stored information from a device
  • verb
  • /klɪr/
  • Specialized
: borrar
  • The pro tip on how to clear out your storage on your computer?
  • clear the bits

Examples

  • Next time you do this, clear your browser history.

  • Now let's clear this terminal and do something else.

  • Look, you should really clear your browser history.

  • Can you clear my schedule?

  • We also cleared your Facebook page.

  • That's why you wanna clear your browser history.

  • Just do that, clear your cache, sign up again and see if you get the emails that way.

  • Please clear the stairs.

  • With a sweep of his arm, he cleared space among some files and brought over two folding chairs.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • You should clear your data from the device to ensure your information is not stored.

Synonyms

to delete
vsto clear
370 2.0

To remove information like text or files so it cannot be seen

makes device memory free of instructions and returns it to a reset state
to erase
vsto clear
355 2.2

Remove all traces of something from memory or history

focuses on removing device content or instructions rather than total annihilation
to wipe out
vsto clear
347 4.2

Destroy something so nothing is left

concerns removing device data or instructions to make a system empty or reset
to empty
vsto clear
213 1.0

To remove everything from a container or place

focuses on removing device data to return systems to default state
to clean
vsto clear
210 1.0

To empty something completely

applies specifically to removing device instructions or data to reset systems
to clear out
vsto clear
194 3.1

Remove all things from a place so it becomes empty

is about removing digital instructions or data to empty or reset systems
to clean out
vsto clear
185 3.2

Empty a place or container by removing everything inside

focuses on removing digital content or instructions to empty or reset devices
to reset
vsto clear
139 2.9

To set something back to its original state

empties or removes content specifically to return systems to defaults
to obliterate
vsto clear
67 7.5

To destroy something completely so nothing remains

is narrower, targeting removal of device content or reset rather than total destruction
to wipe
vsto clear
  • Specialized
46 3.6

To erase all data on a computer or phone so it cannot be recovered

empties or resets a system without guaranteeing irrecoverable deletion
to sweep away
vsto clear
43 3.8

To get rid of something completely so it no longer exists

is more specific to erasing device data or instructions to empty systems
to reinitialize
vsto clear
  • Specialized
5 7.2

Set a device or program back to its original settings

removes data or instructions to make the system empty or reset
to deprogram
vsto clear
  • Specialized
1 6.3

To remove instructions or settings from an electronic device

is broader, removing data or content to empty or reset a device
to clear the table
vsto clear
  • Specialized
1 4.2

Remove all rows from a database table to make it empty

refers more generally to emptying or resetting various device memories
to powerwash
vsto clear
  • Specialized
6.5

To erase all user data and settings and return a device to factory settings

does the same general resetting but may also mean simple emptying

Antonyms

∞ 1.0

To make a place full by putting people or things into it

to load
  • Specialized
75 3.9

To move a file or program into a computer's memory for use

Idioms

in the clear
  • Informal
41 4.4

Not in danger, trouble, or under suspicion

20 3.2

Safe to go because no one is watching

Easy to understand without extra details

8.0

Decide you can do something after problems are solved

Phrasal Verbs

194 3.1

Remove all things from a place so it becomes empty

164 2.3

To explain something so people understand it

62 2.6

To finish tasks completely so nothing is left

38 4.0

To stay away from people and things that may cause trouble or harm

To stop worrying and think calmly to focus

25 1.8

To take things away from a place to make it tidy

25 2.0

To become clear after cloudy or rainy weather

to clear the air
  • Informal
25 4.1

Help people stop feeling angry or worried by talking about the problem

24 3.0

Remove things from a surface to make it empty or clean

Remove dishes and other things from the table after a meal

5 5.7

Finish current tasks and remove problems to prepare for something new

to clear-cut
  • Specialized
4 6.1

To cut down all the trees in an area at once

1 4.6

Remove mucus from the chest or lungs by coughing

To cough slightly to remove mucus from your throat or to get attention

Deal with all the emails in your inbox so it is empty or easy to handle

To stop thinking about upsetting or confusing thoughts to feel calmer

to clear the table
  • Specialized
1 4.2

Remove all rows from a database table to make it empty

Say something so other people understand what you mean

To make a clear line between two areas or kinds of activity

Compounds

all clear
  • Formal
79 3.2

A signal like a siren or announcement that tells people it is safe after an emergency

45 4.2

Easy to see and understand

crystal clear
  • Informal
41 2.5

Very easy to understand or hear

16 1.3

An obvious thing that shows something is true

14 3.1

Completely see-through so you can easily see inside

A message that clearly shows someone's opinion or decision and is easy to understand

10 7.6

A legal rule that allows stopping speech when it poses a serious, obvious threat to public safety

An exchange of information that people understand easily

clear sailing
  • Informal
2 3.5

A time when things move forward easily and without problems

clear-air turbulence
  • Specialized
1 8.4

Sudden strong air movement in clear sky that shakes airplanes

A calm part of the ocean that has very clear blue water

clear liquid diet
  • Specialized
1 3.7

Only clear drinks and foods like broth, juice or gelatin for medical reasons

clear-cutting
  • Specialized
1 5.2

Cutting down all the trees in an area at once

An honest, fair look at the facts

clear glaze
  • Specialized
1 4.1

A clear, thin layer put on wood or other surfaces to protect them and make them look shiny

A clear agreement with an idea, policy, or group

A clear division between two groups that shows who supports each side in a dispute

How Empty

to wipe
  • Specialized
46 3.6
to clear
  • Specialized
7 4.9
to format
  • Specialized
5 4.8
to delete
370 2.0

Surface Forms

clear infinitive
cleared past
cleared past participle
clearing present participle
clears third person singular

Etymology

To clear a device or memory is to make it empty and clean, like wiping a surface to make it bright again, which links back to the 'bright/clean' sense of Latin clarus.