snuff
2[ snuhf ]
/ snʌf /
noun
the charred or partly consumed portion of a candlewick.
a thing of little or no value, especially if left over.
verb (used with object)
to cut off or remove the snuff of (candles, tapers, etc.).
Verb Phrases
snuff out,
- to extinguish: to snuff out a candle.
- to suppress; crush: to snuff out opposition.
- Informal. to kill or murder: Many lives were snuffed out during the epidemic.
Nearby words
snub, snub-nosed, snubby, snubfin dolphin, snuck, snuff, snuff film, snuff movie, snuff out, snuff stick, snuff-dipping
Origin of snuff
21350–1400; Middle English snoffe < ?
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for snuff out (1 of 3)
snuff
1/ (snʌf) /
verb
(tr) to inhale through the nose
(when intr, often foll by at) (esp of an animal) to examine by sniffing
noun
an act or the sound of snuffing
Derived Forms
snuffer, nounWord Origin for snuff
C16: probably from Middle Dutch snuffen to snuffle, ultimately of imitative origin
British Dictionary definitions for snuff out (2 of 3)
snuff
2/ (snʌf) /
noun
finely powdered tobacco for sniffing up the nostrils or less commonly for chewing
a small amount of this
any powdered substance, esp one for sniffing up the nostrils
up to snuff informal
- in good health or in good condition
- mainly British not easily deceived
verb
(intr) to use or inhale snuff
Word Origin for snuff
C17: from Dutch snuf, shortened from snuftabale, literally: tobacco for snuffing; see snuff 1
British Dictionary definitions for snuff out (3 of 3)
snuff
3/ (snʌf) /
verb (tr)
(often foll by out) to extinguish (a light from a naked flame, esp a candle)
to cut off the charred part of (the wick of a candle, etc)
(usually foll by out) informal to suppress; put an end to
snuff it British informal to die
noun
the burned portion of the wick of a candle
Word Origin for snuff
C14 snoffe, of obscure origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Medicine definitions for snuff out
snuff
[ snŭf ]
v.
To inhale something audibly through the nose; sniff.
n.
A preparation of finely pulverized tobacco that can be drawn up into the nostrils by inhaling.
A medicated powder inhaled through or blown into the nose.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Idioms and Phrases with snuff out (1 of 2)
snuff out
Extinguish, put a sudden end to, as in Three young lives were snuffed out in that automobile accident. This usage alludes to snuff in the sense of “put out a candle by pinching the wick,” an area itself called snuff from the late 1300s on. [Mid-1800s]
Kill, murder, as in If he told the police, the gang would snuff him out. [Slang; first half of 1900s]
Also, snuff it. Die or be killed, as in He looked very ill indeed, as though he might snuff out any day, or Grandpa just snuffed it. [Slang; second half of 1800s]
Idioms and Phrases with snuff out (2 of 2)
snuff
In addition to the idiom beginning with snuff
- snuff out
also see:
- up to par (snuff)
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.