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Synonyms

expire

American  
[ik-spahyuhr] / ɪkˈspaɪər /

verb (used without object)

expired, expiring
  1. to come to an end; terminate, as a contract, guarantee, or offer.

  2. to emit the last breath; die.

  3. to breathe out.

  4. to die out, as a fire.


verb (used with object)

expired, expiring
  1. to breathe out; emit (air) from the lungs.

  2. Archaic. to give off, emit, or eject.

expire British  
/ ɪkˈspaɪə /

verb

  1. (intr) to finish or run out; cease; come to an end

  2. to breathe out (air); exhale

  3. (intr) to die

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • expirer noun
  • expiringly adverb
  • nonexpiring adjective
  • unexpired adjective
  • unexpiring adjective

Etymology

Origin of expire

1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin ex ( s ) pīrāre to breathe out, equivalent to ex- ex- 1 + spīrāre to breathe

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The press is warning of nuclear Armageddon after an arms-control treaty between Russia and the United States expired this week.

From The Wall Street Journal

The hometown Giants trailed for most of the game but took the lead in the fourth quarter, only to see the visiting Baltimore Colts tie the score on a field goal shortly before time expired.

From The Wall Street Journal

After the New Start treaty expired Thursday, the president said he wants the U.S. to negotiate a “new, improved, and modernized” agreement.

From The Wall Street Journal

This year — without enhanced federal subsidies that expired at the end of December — that same plan would have cost $299 a month, with higher copays.

From Los Angeles Times

The midfielder will leave Old Trafford when his contract expires at the end of the season - and it looks as if he will do so on a positive note.

From BBC