extinguish
Americanverb (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.
verb
-
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)
Other Word Forms
- extinguishable adjective
- extinguisher noun
- extinguishment noun
- nonextinguishable adjective
- nonextinguished adjective
- preextinguish verb (used with object)
- preextinguishment noun
- self-extinguishing adjective
- unextinguishable adjective
- unextinguished adjective
Etymology
Origin of extinguish
1535–45; < Latin ex ( s ) tingu ( ere ) ( ex- ex- 1 + stinguere to quench) + -ish 2
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.
Others included up to 30 campfires being set in one night at Glenmore near Aviemore that had to be extinguished by firefighters.
From BBC
There were no injuries, according to the report, and Dubai authorities later said firefighters had extinguished the blaze.
From Barron's
For O'Neill, the different manner of their respective World Cup dreams being extinguished will not impact the game.
From BBC
A dry wind swept through the cottage, whipping the hem of his cloak and nearly extinguishing the hearth fire.
From Literature
A spokesperson said on Saturday the flames were largely extinguished but crews were still on the scene dealing with a substantial number of hotspots and were expected to remain for some time.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
