Verbs for Handling Containers

to empty or remove liquid from a container or area

After boiling the pasta, he had to drain the water before serving.

with no one or nothing inside

The empty room echoed with every step, its walls bare and devoid of furniture.

an empty or vacant space within a solid object or within a larger area, typically devoid of substance

The cave explorers discovered a vast void deep within the mountain.

to make something full

He filled the bucket with sand to build a sandcastle.

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

After the event, they had to replenish the buffet with fresh food.

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

In preparation for the move, they needed to cram their belongings into boxes.

to add more liquid to someone's glass or cup

She asked the waiter to top her coffee up before leaving the restaurant.

the extended edge or projecting part of a hat that extends outward from the base

She tilted her head to shield her eyes from the sun using the brim of her hat.

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

He opens the window to let in some fresh air.

near in distance

The close proximity of the two houses made them ideal for neighbors.

to secure something with a lock or seal

Before leaving, he had to lock the front door to ensure the security of the house.

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

Before entering the room, she had to unlock the door with a key.

a large sea animal with flippers that eats fish, can live on land and in water, and is hunted by humans for its fur

The seal lounged lazily on the rocky shore, basking in the warm sunlight.

to close something

Before going to bed, she had to shut all the windows to keep the cold air out.

a three-dimensional shape with six square or rectangular sides

to make it so that nothing can move through something

After the heavy rain, leaves and debris tended to clog the gutters.

a device consisted of two or three metal pins that can connect a piece of electrical equipment to a power supply when fitted into the holes of an electric outlet

She inserted the plug into the outlet to charge her phone.

to prevent something or someone from moving forward or progressing smoothly

The fallen tree obstructed the path, causing a detour for hikers.

things that we cannot or do not need to name when we are talking about them

She packed all her stuff into boxes before moving to her new apartment.

something made of leather, cloth, plastic, or paper that we use to carry things in, particularly when we are traveling or shopping

Can you hold my bag while I tie my shoelaces?

a type of small bag in or on clothing, used for carrying small things such as money, keys, etc.

He kept his keys in the pocket of his jeans.

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

Before the trip, she had to pack her suitcase with essentials.

a container, usually with four sides, a bottom, and a lid, that we use for moving or keeping things

He placed the puzzle pieces back into the puzzle box.

a box or container in which items are packed

She received a package in the mail containing her new shoes.

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

She spent the evening packing up her belongings for the big move.