Synonyms

kibosh

American

[kahy-bosh, ki-bosh] / ˈkaɪ bɒʃ, kɪˈbɒʃ /

noun

Informal.

nonsense.

idioms

put the kibosh on, to put an end to; squelch; check.

Another such injury may put the kibosh on her athletic career.

kibosh British

/ ˈkaɪˌbɒʃ /

noun

to put a stop to; prevent from continuing; halt

"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

verb

(tr) to put a stop to

"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

kibosh More Idioms

see put the kibosh on.

Etymology

Origin of kibosh

First recorded in 1830–40; of obscure origin

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.

But whether a listener calls for a boycott of Harbour’s projects or a kibosh on Allen’s music, they’re playing into Allen’s hand.

From Salon • Oct. 29, 2025

Erica Donald, Aaron’s wife of four years and mother of two children, did her best to put the kibosh on such speculation in a 16-second video Sunday.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 9, 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

Then in 2015, then-Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo was scheduled to headline a fantasy football convention at the Venetian that the NFL put the kibosh on because it was on casino property.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 5, 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