flush
FLUSH
/flʌʃ/
To cleanse or empty a toilet or pipe by a sudden rush of water; the act of flushing.
Implies a rapid, forceful volume of water clearing a space, rather than a slow rinse.
The story behind the word. The word emerged in the 16th century, likely coined to mimic the sudden, violent rush of water. It originally referred to a sudden flooding of a river before finding its permanent home in the vocabulary of sanitary plumbing.
Word relationships
- rinse: 'Rinse' is a gentle wash, whereas 'flush' involves a high-volume, high-pressure rush of water.
- purge: 'Purge' is more technical and can refer to removing air or gas, while 'flush' is almost always liquid-based.
Commonly confused with
- flush (adjective): As an adjective, 'flush' means even or level with another surface (e.g., 'the cabinet is flush with the wall').
Collocations
- flush the toilet
- toilet flush
- double flush
- flush out
Idioms & expressions
- flush with cash
- flush down the toilet
Example sentences
- "Please flush the toilet after use to maintain cleanliness." A sign in a public restroom.
- "You should flush the tank once a year to remove mineral buildup." Explaining how to clear sediment from a water heater.
Memory hook
The sound of the word 'flush' mimics the rushing 'shhh' sound of water clearing the toilet bowl. Flush: Rushes water to clear the waste.
When not to use
Do not use 'flush' when you mean to gently rinse a delicate surface without force.
Fun facts
- Sir John Harington invented the first flushing toilet in 1596 for Queen Elizabeth I, which is why the toilet is colloquially called 'the John'.
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