vacate
UK: vəˈkeɪt | US: ˈveɪkeɪt
vt. to leave a place, position, or job
vt. to annul or cancel (a legal contract or decision)
vi. to cease occupancy; withdraw
The word "vacate" originates from Latin vacare, meaning "to be empty." The suffix -ate was added to form a verb, creating the sense of "making empty" or "leaving." Over time, it expanded to include legal contexts (e.g., canceling a contract) and general withdrawal (e.g., vacating a room). The core idea of "emptying" persists in all meanings.
The tenants must vacate the apartment by the end of the month.
The court ordered the judge to vacate the previous ruling.
After the meeting, everyone vacated the conference room.
The soldier refused to vacate his post despite the danger.
The landlord issued a notice to vacate the premises within 30 days.