v.
- cause the liquid in (something) to run out, leaving it empty or dry.
▸(of liquid) run off or out.
▸(of a river) carry off the superfluous water from (an area).
▸become dry as liquid runs off.
▸drink the entire contents of.
- deprive of strength or vitality.
▸cause (a resource) to be used up.
n.
- a channel or pipe that carries off rainwater or liquid waste.
▸Brit. a grating set in the ground over the opening of a drain.
- a thing that uses up a resource.
▸the continuous loss of a resource:
the drain of talented staff.
Phrase
- go down the drain
informal be totally wasted. - laugh like a drain
Brit. informal laugh raucously.
Etymology
OE drēahnian, drēhnian ‘strain liquid’, of Gmc origin; rel. to dry.