extinguish
verb (used with object)
to put out (a fire, light, etc.); put out the flame of (something burning or lighted).
was extinguishing
-
past progressiveof extinguish.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
In mid-March, as COVID-19 was extinguishing public life in cities across the world, the scooter company announced that it would pull its signature electric two-wheelers from some areas.
From The Verge ● Apr. 23, 2020
An old priest in a brown robe was extinguishing the candles.
From The Texan Star The Story of a Great Fight for Liberty by Joseph A. (Joseph Alexander) Altsheler
For the first time in his life he discovered that he was extinguishing, with difficulty, a smouldering resentment against her.
From The Miller Of Old Church by Ellen Anderson Gholson Glasgow
Percy was extinguishing the flames, which had caught his dress, and John Grant was similarly occupied.
From Guy Fawkes or The Gunpowder Treason by William Harrison Ainsworth
The tree candles were burned out; Peter was extinguishing the dying remnants when Harmony came back.
From The Street of Seven Stars by Mary Roberts Rinehart
