snuff out

Idioms  

1. Extinguish, put a sudden end to, as in Three young lives were snuffed out in that automobile accident . This usage alludes to snuff in the sense of “put out a candle by pinching the wick,” an area itself called snuff from the late 1300s on. [Mid-1800s]

2. Kill, murder, as in If he told the police, the gang would snuff him out . [ Slang ; first half of 1900s]

3. Also, snuff it . Die or be killed, as in He looked very ill indeed, as though he might snuff out any day , or Grandpa just snuffed it . [ Slang ; second half of 1800s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

snuff out

Decades after Kim's death, the museum built in his honour is accused of trying to snuff out a tree.

From BBC ● Sep. 18, 2026

Diomande also showed power and sleight of foot to escape when Ecuador doubled up on him in an attempt to snuff out his threat.

From BBC ● Jun. 15, 2026

His strictly regulated factory model brooks no challenges from his workers, and he employs an enormous security force to snuff out the merest whisper of pro-union sentiment.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 29, 2026

On back-to-back snaps, Mesidor and Bain sacked CJ Carr to snuff out the threat of a comeback and seal a 27-24 Miami win.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 7, 2026

She could tell he was following her thoughts: Twins snuff out the angel's breath.

From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan

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