What does the phrasal verb “strip away” mean?

What are the definitions of “strip away”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. To remove or take off something, especially in a forceful or deliberate manner.

  People will want to strip away all those layers of processing and packaging, protecting and pampering.

• 2. To remove or eliminate.

  Strip away the jargon, and these ideas are just the same as the old ones.

• 3. To remove or take off layers or coverings.

  The more layers that are stripped away, the more beautiful she becomes.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “strip away”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb strip away is to remove or take off something, often in a forceful or deliberate manner. It can refer to removing layers, coverings, or even abstract concepts like unnecessary details or jargon.

What are the different verb forms of “strip away”?

Root Verb	strip away
Third Person Singular Present	strips away
Present Participle	stripping away
Simple Past	stripped away
Past Participle	stripped away

Example

We need to strip away the old paint before repainting the wall.

Example

She strips away the unnecessary details to make the report clearer.

Example

He is stripping away the wallpaper to reveal the original wall.

Example

The storm stripped away the leaves from the trees.

Example

The unnecessary layers have been stripped away to reveal the true beauty of the artwork.

What kind of phrasal verb is “strip away”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“strip away” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

The artist stripped away the excess clay to reveal the sculpture.

Example

She stripped the old paint away before applying a new coat.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“strip away” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

The artist stripped away the excess clay to reveal the sculpture.

Example

She stripped the old paint away before applying a new coat.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “strip away”?

Strip away the layers

To remove layers or coverings, either physical or metaphorical, to reveal something underneath.

Example

When you strip away the layers of deception, the truth becomes clear.

Strip away the facade

To remove a false appearance or pretense, revealing the true nature of something or someone.

Example

Once you strip away the facade, you can see the real person underneath.

Strip away the excess

To remove unnecessary or extra elements, often to simplify or improve something.

Example

By stripping away the excess, the designer created a minimalist and elegant space.

Good things to know

Does “strip away” have an informal or formal tone?

Strip away is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal writing or presentations, depending on the specific context.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “strip away”?

Synonyms

• remove
• eliminate
• clear
• uncover
• expose
• reveal
• peel off
• take off
• erase

Antonyms

• attach
• apply
• cover
• conceal
• hide
• mask
• preserve
• protect
• add