snuff out

Idioms  

1. 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]

2. Kill, murder, as in If he told the police, the gang would snuff him out . [ Slang ; first half of 1900s]

3. 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]

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Example Sentences

His strictly regulated factory model brooks no challenges from his workers, and he employs an enormous security force to snuff out the merest whisper of pro-union sentiment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 29, 2026

Duffy, as well as her co-traitor Stephen, managed to snuff out the competition in Friday night's final to take home half of the show's £95,750 prize pot.

From BBC • Jan. 23, 2026

Often criticised for his fitness and workrate, Suele was then on the spot to snuff out a Florian Neuhaus shot with an excellent challenge late in the opening half.

From Barron's • Dec. 19, 2025

Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner are taking legal action to snuff out accusations that they are the subjects of a federal criminal racketeering investigation — claims publicized by the former’s ex-boyfriend Ray J.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 2, 2025

Servants reach long-handled douters overhead and snuff out a few flames.

From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton