Verbs for Handling Containers · Verbs: Manual Action

to remove the contents of a container or space

"Empty the trash bin every evening."

"Please empty the trash cans before you leave the office tonight because the cleaners will come early tomorrow morning."

to fill a place or container with something, especially after it has been used or emptied

"Replenish your water bottle before hiking."

"The hikers stopped at the stream to replenish their water bottles before continuing the long climb up the mountain."

to close something

"He shuts the window before sleeping."

"Please shut the door quietly because the baby is sleeping in the next room."

to make it so that nothing can move through something

"Hair clogs the shower drain."

"The drain was clogged with hair and soap scum so the water would not flow down properly."

to put something, typically small or portable, into one's pocket

"He pockets the loose change casually."

"He quickly pocketed the cash before anyone else could see that he had found the money on the ground."

to put something into a box, typically for storage, transportation, or organization

"Box the items for shipping carefully."

"The movers boxed up all of the kitchen items before loading the boxes onto the truck for the move."

to pack something in order to sell or transport it

"Factory workers package products for shipping."

"The company will package the fragile items in bubble wrap and sturdy boxes to prevent damage during shipping."

to put things into containers or bags in order to transport or store them

"Pack up your belongings carefully."

"The workers began to pack up their tools after finishing the construction job for the day."

to empty or remove liquid from a container or area

"Please drain the water."

"After boiling the pasta, be sure to drain all the excess water before adding the sauce."

to clear a space or container of either people or its contents

"Void the trash bin."

"The organizers had to void the stadium of all spectators due to the emergency."

to make something full

"Fill the glass with water."

"Can you fill this glass with water for me because I am very thirsty after my run."

to forcefully or tightly pack a space with a large amount of something

"Students cram for exams all night."

"The students crammed for the final exam all night long drinking coffee and hoping to remember everything in the morning."

to add more liquid to someone's glass or cup

"Top up the tank with petrol."

"You should top up your car's oil before driving on the highway for a long distance to avoid engine damage."

to fill something, such as a container or space, to the very top or edge

"The cup brims with water."

"Her eyes brimmed with tears of joy when she saw her son walking across the stage to receive his diploma."

to move something like a window or door into a position that people, things, etc. can pass through or use

"Open the window for fresh air."

"Please open the window because the room is very hot and stuffy right now."

to move something like a window or door into a position that people or things cannot pass through

"Close the door behind you."

"Do not forget to close the door when you leave so the cat does not get out."

to secure something with a lock or seal

"He locks the door when leaving home."

"Do not forget to lock all doors and windows before going to bed at night."

to use a key, code, or other method to open a lock or seal, allowing access to something that was secured

"Unlock the door with your key."

"You need to unlock your phone before you can use any of the apps or make a call."

to close or secure something tightly to prevent access

"Seal the envelope now."

"The baker made sure to seal the pie crust tightly to prevent leakage."

to stop the flow or movement of something through somewhere

"The tree will block the view."

"A fallen tree blocked the road for several hours until workers could remove it with heavy equipment."

to tightly fill or block a hole with something

"Plug the hole tightly."

"You need to plug the charger into the wall outlet before connecting it to your phone."

to prevent something or someone from moving forward or progressing smoothly

"Obstruct the path."

"The fallen tree appeared to obstruct the hikers' progress on the trail."

to fill a space or container tightly and completely with a material

"Stuff the turkey with breadcrumbs."

"She stuffed her clothes into the suitcase without folding them because she was in a huge hurry to catch her flight."

to put something into a bag for carrying or storage

"Bag the groceries at the counter."

"The cashier bagged the groceries carefully placing the heavy items at the bottom and the bread on top."

to put clothes and other things needed for travel into a bag, suitcase, etc.

"She packs her suitcase for the trip."

"I need to pack my suitcase tonight because my flight leaves early tomorrow morning."