to make hollow by removing the inner part; make a hole or cavity in; form into a hollow, as by digging

The ground was excavated for a foundation.

to make (a hole, tunnel, etc.) by removing material.

to dig or scoop out (earth, sand, etc.).

to expose or lay bare by or as if by digging; unearth

to excavate an ancient city.

verb

fill

verb

burrow , cut , delve , empty , gouge , grub , hollow , mine , quarry , scoop , scrape , shovel , spade , trench , tunnel , uncover , unearth , dig , dredge