evacuate
verb (used with object)
to leave empty; vacate.
were evacuating
-
past progressiveof evacuate.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Residents in the town of Maumere on Flores Island were evacuating to higher ground, an AFP correspondent saw.
From Barron's ● Aug. 15, 2026
The field marshal, acting on CIA intelligence, handed over the alleged mastermind behind the 2021 Kabul airport bombing when Americans were evacuating from Afghanistan.
From BBC ● Apr. 10, 2026
“I was very passionate about the show happening,” Winston said, “but what we weren’t comfortable with while people were evacuating was: ‘Hey, watch the Grammys!’
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 31, 2025
Police said they were evacuating buildings in the street where Boersen is located, including the Finance Ministry.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 16, 2024
Americans were evacuating by helicopter out to the waiting American ships.
From "Boots on the Ground: America's War in Vietnam" by Elizabeth Partridge
