HOLLOW OUT Meaning and
Definition
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Hollow out is a phrasal verb that signifies the process of removing the inner part or core of something, resulting in a hollow or empty space within it. This term is frequently used in various contexts, encompassing physical, metaphorical, and economic meanings.
In the physical sense, hollowing out refers to creating a void or cavity in an object by removing its internal material. For example, woodworkers may hollow out a piece of timber to create a vessel or sculpture. Similarly, miners hollow out tunnels in the earth to extract valuable minerals.
Metaphorically, hollowing out refers to weakening or emptying something of its essential qualities or substance. It is often utilized to describe the erosion of values, principles, or significance of an institution, concept, or tradition. For instance, critics argue that globalization has hollowed out traditional industries by relocating manufacturing processes to countries with lower wages.
Economically, hollowing out describes the decline or reduction of a specific industry or sector within a region or country. This phenomenon often occurs when companies choose to shift their manufacturing or production to other locations with cheaper labor or more favorable conditions, resulting in job losses and economic decline in the original area.
In summary, hollow out, as a phrasal verb, encompasses the physical act of making something hollow, the metaphorical loss of substance or strength, and the economic decline of industries or sectors.
Common Misspellings for HOLLOW OUT
- jollow out
- uollow out
- yollow out
- hillow out
- hkllow out
- hlllow out
- hpllow out
- h0llow out
- h9llow out
- hoklow out
- hoplow out
- hoolow out
- holkow out
- holpow out
- holoow out
- holliw out
- hollkw out
- holllw out
- hollpw out
- holl0w out
- hollowout
Etymology of HOLLOW OUT
The word "hollow" comes from the Old English word "holh", which meant "cave" or "hole". It can be traced back further to the Proto-Germanic word "hulaz" and the Proto-Indo-European root "kel", both also meaning "hole" or "cavity". The word "out" is a preposition indicating movement away or separation. When combined, "hollow out" means to make a hole or cavity in something, or to remove the inside or core of an object.
Idioms with the word HOLLOW OUT
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hollow out
To remove the inner part of something, leaving only the outer shell or surface.
Similar spelling words for HOLLOW OUT
