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

Bread While the refrigerator has been said to help keep bread from molding, the humidity of the fridge draws out the moisture from the bread, leaving you with bland, dry slices. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2024

First, razor-thin margins could draw out the counting and certification for days if not weeks. —Chris Jackson, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2024

And while technology companies might dominate headlines, their partner ecosystems—the service providers, developers and consultants—are often responsible for drawing out the true value. —Chris Barbin, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024

Instead of relying on hot water to draw out the caffeine and flavor from the coffee beans, cold-brew coffee relies on time. —Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Health, 29 Oct. 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