prosciugare

Prosciugare is an Italian verb of the first conjugation meaning to dry out, to drain a liquid, or to dehydrate something. It can refer to removing moisture from a surface or object, as well as to extracting liquid from a container or area. In a broader sense, it can also mean to exhaust, deplete, or drain resources, money, or energy.

Etymology: The verb is formed from the prefix pro- combined with sciugare (to dry), conveying the idea of thorough drying or drainage. The figurative uses extend the sense to draining non-physical resources.

Usage: Literally, prosciugare is used for dewatering or drying. Examples include prosciugare una pozza (drain a puddle), prosciugare una cisterna, or prosciugare una palude (dewater a swamp). In engineering, agriculture, and construction, it denotes removing moisture from soils, basements, or structures. Figuratively, it describes exhausting resources or finances: prosciugare le risorse, prosciugare il bilancio, prosciugare le tasche.

Conjugation: Prosciugare is a regular -are verb. Present: io prosciugo, tu prosciughi, lui/lei prosciuga, noi prosciughiamo, voi prosciugate, loro prosciugano. Past tenses use avere: ho prosciugato, hai prosciugato, ha prosciugato. Imperfect: prosciugavo, prosciugavi, prosciugava, etc. Future: prosciugherò, prosciugherai, prosciugherà, etc. The past participle is prosciugato, used with avere (ho prosciugato) or with essere intransitive senses (la palude si è prosciugata).

See also: asciugare, dissodare.