definitions

extinguish

[ ik-sting-gwish ]
/ ɪkˈstɪŋ gwɪʃ /
||
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verb (used with object)

to put out (a fire, light, etc.); put out the flame of (something burning or lighted): to extinguish a candle.
to put an end to or bring to an end; wipe out of existence; annihilate: to extinguish hope.
to obscure or eclipse, as by superior brilliance.
Law. to discharge (a debt), as by payment.

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RELATED WORDS

quench, smother, suffocate, douse, annihilate, exterminate, suppress, obliterate, quell, erase, eliminate, abate, destroy, eradicate, trample, drown, stifle, choke, out, end

Nearby words

extima, extinct, extinction, extinctive, extine, extinguish, extinguishant, extinguisher, extirpate, extirpation, extn.

Origin of extinguish

1535–45; < Latin ex(s)tingu(ere) (ex- ex-1 + stinguere to quench) + -ish2
SYNONYMS FOR extinguish
1 quench, smother, snuff out, blow out.
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR extinguish ON THESAURUS.COM
Related forms
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for extinguish

British Dictionary definitions for extinguish

extinguish

/ (ɪkˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ) /

verb (tr)

to put out or quench (a light, flames, etc)
to remove or destroy entirely; annihilate
archaic to eclipse or obscure by or as if by superior brilliance
law to discharge (a debt)
Derived Formsextinguishable, adjectiveextinguisher, nounextinguishment, noun

Word Origin for extinguish

C16: from Latin exstinguere, from stinguere to quench
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

Word Origin and History for extinguish

extinguish

v.

c.1500 (implied in extinguishable), from Latin extinguere/exstinguere "quench, wipe out, obliterate," from ex- "out" (see ex-) + stinguere "quench," from PIE *steig- "to prick, stick, pierce." Related: Extinguished; extinguishing.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper

Medicine definitions for extinguish

extinguish

[ ĭk-stĭng′gwĭsh ]

n.

To bring about the extinction of a conditioned response.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.