kibosh
Americannoun
idioms
noun
verb
Etymology
Origin of kibosh
First recorded in 1830–40; of obscure origin
Explanation
When you put the kibosh on something, you refuse to let it happen, or you bring it to an end. Your town may put the kibosh on dogs in the park if their owners don't clean up after them. You'll almost always find the word kibosh in the phrase "put the kibosh on." Kids often feel like their teachers and parents are constantly putting the kibosh on their fun, and you may be disappointed when a rainy day puts the kibosh on your picnic plans. The origin of kibosh is unknown — though many people think it's Yiddish, the word's earliest use was probably in an Irish neighborhood in London in the early 1800s.
Vocabulary lists containing kibosh
The Search Is Over: Synonyms for "Stop"
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Superteacher Project
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
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.
Various delays intervened, but the work was finally scheduled to have its debut last month, until Mr. Glass’s maneuver put the kibosh on things.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 7, 2026
What’s more, it would provide either one or both of the Bezoses the ability to put the editorial kibosh on anything they deem unfit to print, while shoehorning their own interests into the publication.
From Salon • May 6, 2026
“I suppose they think they can put a kibosh on it,” she said.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 13, 2024
But so far ministers have been bullish, regarding pretty much all of these amendments as ultimately trying to kibosh their entire plan.
From BBC • Apr. 17, 2024
It is within the ability of even the most drained fairy to put a complete mind kibosh on any human alive.
From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer
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.
