terminate

[ tur-muh-neyt ]

verb (used with object)

, ter·mi·nat·ed, ter·mi·nat·ing.

1. to bring to an end; put an end to:

   to terminate a contract.

   Synonyms: complete, close, conclude, finish, end

2. to occur at or form the conclusion of:

   The countess's soliloquy terminates the play.

   Synonyms: complete, close, conclude, finish, end

3. to bound or limit spatially; form or be situated at the extremity of.
4. to dismiss from a job; fire:

   to terminate employees during a recession.

verb (used without object)

, ter·mi·nat·ed, ter·mi·nat·ing.

1. to end, conclude, or cease.
2. (of a train, bus, or other public conveyance) to end a scheduled run at a certain place:

   This train terminates in New York.

3. to come to an end (often followed by at, in, or with ).
4. to issue or result (usually followed by in ).

terminate

/ ˈtɜːmɪˌneɪt /

verb

1. whenintr, often foll by in or with to form, be, or put an end (to); conclude

   their relationship terminated amicably

   to terminate a pregnancy

2. tr to connect (suitable circuitry) to the end of an electrical transmission line to absorb the energy and avoid reflections
3. intr maths (of a decimal expansion) to have only a finite number of digits
4. slang.
   tr to kill (someone)

Derived Forms

• ˈterminative, adjective
• ˈterminatory, adjective

Other Words From

• termi·native adjective
• termi·native·ly adverb
• non·termi·native adjective
• non·termi·native·ly adverb
• self-termi·nating adjective
• self-termi·native adjective
• un·termi·nated adjective
• un·termi·nating adjective
• un·termi·native adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of terminate¹

1580–90; verbal use of late Middle English terminate (adjective) “limited,” from Latin terminātus, past participle of termināre. See term, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of terminate¹

C16: from Latin terminātus limited, from termināre to set boundaries, from terminus end

Example Sentences

In his ruling, Scarsi said he would vacate Hunter Biden’s sentencing hearing, scheduled for Dec. 16, but that he would not terminate the case until the pardon signed by President Biden was formally submitted.

From Los Angeles Times

On the domestic side of climate policy, Trump promised last September that he would "terminate the Green New Deal, which I call the Green New Scam, and rescind all unspent funds under the misnamed Inflation Reduction Act."

From Salon

The New York Giants have "mutually agreed" to terminate the contract of quarterback Daniel Jones, less than two years after he signed a $160m extension with the NFL franchise.

From BBC

Trump's advisors have doubled down on the future administration's intent to terminate TPS.

From Salon

Since President-elect Donald Trump won the election earlier this month, Haitian residents of Springfield, Ohio, have been living with a renewed fear of what may come should he follow through on his vow to terminate their temporary legal immigration status.

From Salon

Related Words

• abolish
• abort
• adjourn
• annul
• cancel
• cease
• complete
• conclude
• cut off
• determine
• discharge
• discontinue
• dismiss
• dissolve
• eliminate
• expire
• halt
• put an end to
• recess
• restrict