Meaning
The verb vacate means to leave a place or give up a position so that it becomes empty or available. It can also mean to cancel or annul something officially (such as a court order or contract).
Grammar and Usage
- Part of speech: Verb
- Verb type: Transitive or intransitive
Common patterns:
- vacate a place: to leave a building, seat, or room.
- vacate a position/office: to resign or step down.
- vacate a decision/judgment: to cancel or nullify something legally.
Examples:
- "The tenants must vacate the apartment by Friday."
- "She vacated her role as chairperson."
Common Phrases
- vacate the premises – leave the property or building.
- vacate one’s seat – give up a seat to someone else.
- vacate an office/position – resign or step down.
- vacate a court order – cancel or annul a legal ruling.
Collocations
- vacate + room
- vacate + premises
- vacate + position
- vacate + judgment
- vacate + chair/seat
Examples
- The workers were asked to vacate the building after the fire alarm went off.
- The judge decided to vacate the previous ruling.
- Tourists must vacate their hotel rooms by 11 a.m.
- She will vacate her office when the new manager arrives.
- A passenger kindly vacated his seat for the elderly woman.
- The company had to vacate the premises due to renovation.
- The president announced he would vacate his post at the end of the year.
Synonyms or Related
- leave
- evacuate
- abandon
- resign
- annul (in legal contexts)
- cancel
Antonym
- occupy
- retain
- hold
- keep