definitions

expire

[ ik-spahyuh r ]
/ ɪkˈspaɪər /
|

verb (used without object), ex·pired, ex·pir·ing.

to come to an end; terminate, as a contract, guarantee, or offer.
to emit the last breath; die.
to breathe out.
to die out, as a fire.

verb (used with object), ex·pired, ex·pir·ing.

to breathe out; emit (air) from the lungs.
Archaic. to give off, emit, or eject.

RELATED CONTENT

LexaproRead more in this article about some frequently asked questions and fun facts related to our definitions.
READ MORE
LexaproRead more in this article about some frequently asked questions and fun facts related to our definitions.
READ MORE

RELATED WORDS

quit, finish, depart, conclude, die, lapse, terminate, cease, pass, close, decease, elapse, end, perish, stop, go, croak, exhale, emit, expel

Nearby words

expiration, expiration date, expiratory, expiratory reserve volume, expiratory stridor, expire, expired gas, expiry, expiscate, explain, explain away

Origin of expire

1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin ex(s)pīrāre to breathe out, equivalent to ex- ex-1 + spīrāre to breathe
Related forms
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for expiring

British Dictionary definitions for expiring

expire

/ (ɪkˈspaɪə) /

verb

(intr) to finish or run out; cease; come to an end
to breathe out (air); exhale
(intr) to die
Derived Formsexpirer, noun

Word Origin for expire

C15: from Old French expirer, from Latin exspīrāre to breathe out, from spīrāre to breathe
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

Medicine definitions for expiring

expire

[ ĭk-spīr′ ]

v.

To breathe one's last breath; die.
To exhale.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.