draw out

verb

drew out; drawn out; drawing out; draws out

transitive verb

1
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

Examples of draw out in a Sentence

the actor refused to draw out the interview any further
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Stronger relations with Russia could also jeopardize the U.S.'s role mediating peace negotiations with Ukraine and draw out the war. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025 But in Europe, a momentous political shift was under way, with street protests against the Russian invasion drawing out hundreds of thousands of people. Edward Fishman, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2025 The New York Times Experts warn that just before a tsunami hits shore, seawater can first be drawn out to sea — exposing large swaths of beach and giving people along the water a false sense that a coast is safe. William B. Davis, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2025 For Batista, the shifting policies also meant shifting requirements to produce medical records prior to his enlistment, which drew out the process for nearly six years. Jeff Truesdell, People.com, 11 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for draw out

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of draw out was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Draw out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/draw%20out. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on draw out

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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