extinguish

[ik-sting-gwish]

verb (used with object)

1. to put out (a fire, light, etc.); put out the flame of (something burning or lighted).

   to extinguish a candle.

   Synonyms: smother, quench
   Antonyms: ignite, light

2. to put an end to or bring to an end; wipe out of existence; annihilate.

   to extinguish hope.

3. to obscure or eclipse, as by superior brilliance.

4. Law.,  to discharge (a debt), as by payment.

extinguish

/ ɪkˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ /

verb

1. to put out or quench (a light, flames, etc)

2. to remove or destroy entirely; annihilate

3. archaic,  to eclipse or obscure by or as if by superior brilliance

4. law to discharge (a debt)

Other Word Forms

• extinguisher noun
• extinguishment noun
• extinguishable adjective
• nonextinguishable adjective
• nonextinguished adjective
• preextinguish verb (used with object)
• preextinguishment noun
• self-extinguishing adjective
• unextinguishable adjective
• unextinguished adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of extinguish¹

1535–45; < Latin ex ( s ) tingu ( ere ) ( ex- ex- ¹ + stinguere to quench) + -ish ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of extinguish¹

C16: from Latin exstinguere, from stinguere to quench

Example Sentences

They added that the blaze was extinguished without casualties or leaks.

From BBC

In the UK, a fire at a Bess facility in Essex back in February took almost 24 hours to extinguish.

From BBC

Yulia Svyrydenko said the government building's roof and upper floors were damaged "due to an enemy attack", and firefighters were working to extinguish the fire.

From BBC

By 7:30 p.m., all active flames were extinguished and forward progress had been stopped, according to the LAFD.

From Los Angeles Times

At a stroke he has extinguished any notion of self-interest.

From BBC

Related Words

• abate 
• annihilate 
• destroy 
• eliminate 
• eradicate 
• erase 
• exterminate 
• obliterate 
• quell 
• stamp out 
• suppress 
• wipe out