draw out

verb

drew out; drawn out; drawing out; draws out

transitive verb

1

: remove, extract

2

: to extend beyond a minimum in time : protract sense 1

3

: to cause to speak freely

a reporter's ability to draw a person out

Synonyms

• drag (out)
• elongate
• extend
• lengthen
• outstretch
• prolong
• protract
• stretch

Examples of draw out in a Sentence

the actor refused to draw out the interview any further

Recent Examples on the Web

While salting before boiling helps enhance the overall moisture of the potatoes, salting while mashing can draw out that moisture, leading to a slightly drier or grainier texture. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 24 Dec. 2024

Their confirmation hearings, anticipated in January, could be drawn out by witness testimony. —Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 17 Dec. 2024

All this comes down to Eggers’s skill at drawing out aural and visual textures from his team’s impeccable period-specific production design. —Bob Sassone, Vulture, 17 Dec. 2024

Harbaugh’s not a fearful coach under any circumstances, but his little brother seems to draw out the gunslinger within. —Childs Walker, Baltimore Sun, 26 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

draw out

verb

1

: to cause to last longer than usual

2

: to cause or encourage to speak freely

tried to draw the shy child out