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.
He also responded to criticism of photographs compiled in his most extreme work, the 2004 book Kibosh.
From The Guardian • Jun. 16, 2014
"The author of Mustard Plasters has the floor," said Kibosh, with civility.
From How Doth the Simple Spelling Bee by Wister, Owen
"That's wise, that's kind, that's good," said Kibosh; and he beat one hand gently on the table.
From How Doth the Simple Spelling Bee by Wister, Owen
Kibosh had arranged all our seats, and it is the best thing I know of him.
From How Doth the Simple Spelling Bee by Wister, Owen
Kibosh smiled for a long while, looking at me very kindly.
From How Doth the Simple Spelling Bee by Wister, Owen
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.
