1 a [+ obj] : to remove (liquid) from something by letting it flow away or out
▪ Drain the canned tomatoes before adding them to the pot. ▪ The swamp has been drained. — often + from ▪ Drain the fat/grease from the pan. ▪ We have to drain some water from the pool.
b [no obj] of a container : to become empty of a liquid
▪ I was waiting for the bathtub to drain. ▪ The sink won't drain.
c [no obj] of a liquid : to flow into, away from, or out of something
▪ The river drains into a lake. ▪ The blood/color drained from her face. [=she got pale] 2 a [+ obj] : to cause (something) to lose something important — + of ▪ Years of civil war have drained the country of its resources. [=have used up the country's resources] ▪ Overuse has drained the phrase of all meaning.
b : to slowly be used up or to cause (something) to slowly be used up [+ obj] ▪ Years of civil war have drained the country's resources. ▪ The city's emergency fund has been drained. [no obj] — usually + away ▪ She felt her anger drain away. 3 [+ obj] : to make (someone) very physically or mentally tired
▪ The work drained [=exhausted] me. ▪ I feel totally drained of energy this evening. ▪ Her work is very draining. [=tiring] 4 [+ obj] : to drink all of the liquid in (something)
▪ He drained the mug and left. 5 [+ obj] US, sports, informal : to make (a successful shot) in a very skillful and impressive way
▪ (basketball) She took a long jump shot and drained it. ▪ (golf) He drained the putt for a birdie.