Definition of evacuate

The word "evacuate" has its origins in the 16th century, derived from the Latin "e-vacuare," which means "to empty out" or "to make void." This Latin phrase was used in medical and anatomical contexts, referring to the removal of internal organs or fluids from the body. The word was later adapted into Middle English as "evacuen," and its meaning expanded to include the removal of people or goods from a place, often in times of emergency or crisis. By the 17th century, "evacuate" was being used in military and maritime contexts to describe the removal of troops or supplies from an area. During the 18th century, the word took on a more general sense, referring to the removal of people, materials, or resources from a location. Today, the word "evacuate" is widely used in contexts such as natural disasters, military operations, and everyday emergencies.