nix

¹

[niks]

noun

1. nothing.

verb (used with object)

1. to veto; refuse to agree to; prohibit.

   The VP of Publishing nixed the project.

adverb

1. no.

interjection

1. Archaic.,  (used as an exclamation, especially of warning).

   Nix, the cops!

nix

²

[niks]

noun

plural

nixes 

1. (in Germanic folklore) a water spirit that draws its victims into its underwater home.

nix

¹

/ nɪks /

1. another word for no 1

2. be careful! watch out!

noun

1. a rejection or refusal

2. nothing at all

verb

1. (tr) to veto, deny, reject, or forbid (plans, suggestions, etc)

nix

²

/ nɪks /

noun

1. German myth a male water sprite, usually unfriendly to humans

Word History and Origins

Origin of nix¹

First recorded in 1780–90; from German, variant of nichts “nothing”

Origin of nix²

1825–35; < German Nix, Old High German nihhus; cognate with Old English nicor water monster, Old Norse nykr, Norwegian nøkk, Swedish näck; compare Sanskrit nenekti (he) washes

Word History and Origins

Origin of nix¹

C18: from German, colloquial form of nichts nothing

Origin of nix²

C19: from German Nixe nymph or water spirit, from Old High German nihhus; related to Old English nicor sea monster

Example Sentences

Plus, the university has nixed what was once a required class on diversity and equity in the classroom from the program altogether, she said.

From Salon

It comes as California students return to the classroom after RFK Jr. nixed the CDC’s recommendation that they receive booster shots.

From Los Angeles Times

Voters nixed it after the bail bond industry spearheaded a campaign to send the measure to voters.

From Los Angeles Times

As MLB announces its postseason schedule for this season, one wrinkle from last season has been nixed: a flexible start date for the World Series.

From Los Angeles Times

The shoulder injury robbed him of the following spring, then a knee issue nixed his second season after just a few games.

From Los Angeles Times