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to expel

to expel

34 5.0
Push out a substance, for example gas from a body or container
  • verb
  • /ɪkˈspɛl/
translation icon : expulsar
  • Wait a few seconds to ensure complete sample flow, then press the plunger to the second stop to expel any remaining liquid.
  • expel gas
  • expel into the air
  • expel from the body

Well, I couldn't expel the carbon dioxide and breathe it out.

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Examples

  • Gamay drew air deep into her lungs and let it out, expelling the dirt and dust.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • One major mode of transmission is through these droplets that are expelled when people sneeze or cough.

  • White holes expel matter out.

  • They're supposed to expel dust from the system, which is a cool idea.

  • Your lungs want to expel it out right through your breath like when you exhale.

  • When someone with influenza coughs or sneezes, virus is expelled in droplet form.

    Academic text (2012)
  • The valves are designed to expel gas when the pressure is too high.

  • He pressed the nozzle to expel the remaining contents of the canister.

  • The plant expels excess water through its leaves to maintain balance.

Synonyms

to release
vsto expel
446 2.7

To allow a liquid, gas, or energy to flow out

is about actively forcing a substance out rather than passive escape
to pass
vsto expel
  • NSFW
168 4.4

To let waste or a small object leave the body

is broader removal of substances from containers or bodies, not only bodily waste
to spit out
vsto expel
94 2.3

To push food or drink out of your mouth

is broader expulsion from any container or body rather than mouth action
to eliminate
vsto expel
  • Specialized
81 4.3

Remove waste or harmful substances from the body

is the active discharge of any substance not limited to natural elimination
to flush out
vsto expel
51 4.5

Force unwanted people or things out of a place, often using water

is the simple physical act of discharging a substance without implying cleansing
to purge
vsto expel
49 6.3

To remove unwanted substances, things, or people by cleaning

is focused on physical discharge of substances rather than cleansing or purging purpose
to pump out
vsto expel
23 3.2

To remove liquid with a pump or make many things quickly

means forced removal without specifying a mechanical pumping method
to eject
vsto expel
20 4.1

Push a liquid or other substance out of something

is the general act of forcing a substance out of a container or body
to suck out
vsto expel
16 4.5

Pull something out of a place by using air to draw it in

is about forcing a substance out generally without implying a pulling method
to spew out
vsto expel
15 5.9

To force out large amounts of something like smoke or words

is a more general physical forcing out, not necessarily sudden or abundant
to discharge
vsto expel
12 4.4

Take people or things out of a vehicle by unloading

is specifically about actively forcing a substance out by pressure or action
to exhaust
vsto expel
  • Specialized
10 4.8

To remove gas or steam from a machine

is the broader physical act of driving out any substance from somewhere
to liberate
vsto expel
  • Specialized
8 5.8

Release a gas or energy during a chemical reaction

is the plain physical act of driving out substances, not only chemical release
to force out
vsto expel
6 4.2

To push something out with effort or pressure

is the broader physical forcing out, not tied to human effort specifically
to excrete
vsto expel
  • NSFW
6 7.0

To remove waste from the body through urine, sweat or breath

is a neutral physical forcing out not limited to bodily waste processes
to exude
vsto expel
4 6.5

Give off liquid slowly, often in drops

is about active, often quicker discharge rather than slow steady seepage
to squeeze out
vsto expel
4 3.2

To press something to get liquid out

covers forced discharge generally rather than the specific pressing technique
to evacuate
vsto expel
  • Specialized
1 6.9

To remove air or gas from a container to make a vacuum

describes forcing a substance out generally rather than specifically making a vacuum
to press out
vsto expel
1 4.1

To get liquid from something by squeezing it

is the general act of forcing a substance out, not the pressing method
to effuse
vsto expel
9.1

To come out freely, as a liquid, gas, or light

is the controlled forcing out of a substance rather than free abundant flow
to outgas
vsto expel
  • Specialized
7.9

To release gas from a material when it is heated or in a vacuum

is the general act of driving out any substance not only gas from materials

Antonyms

217 3.0

To take in things such as liquid, light, or information

60 3.0

To hold something inside so it does not escape

How Strong

to spew
102 5.1
to eject
32 4.2
to expel
34 5.0
to release
446 2.7
to emit
91 4.4
to leak
212 1.0
to seep
82 2.7

Surface Forms

expel infinitive
expelled past
expelled past participle
expelling present participle
expels third person singular

Morphology

expel = ex + pel

The sense 'force out (a substance)' aligns with ex- (out) + pel (drive), but 'pel' is not a standalone English word, so the morphological relation is only partially transparent to learners.

Etymology

Expel comes from the Latin parts ex- 'out' and pellere 'to drive', the same root found in propel. So to expel a substance is to 'drive out' or push a gas or liquid out of a body or container.