Extinguish

/ɪkˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To put out (a fire, light, etc.)

The firefighters worked tirelessly to extinguish the raging blaze.

To cause to cease; put an end to.

His ambition was extinguished after the failure of his first business.

To destroy or eliminate completely.

The new regulations aim to extinguish illegal fishing practices.

Middle English 'extinguishe', from Latin 'extinguere', meaning 'to quench, put out'.

extinguish a flame

to put out a fire

extinguish hopes

to destroy or ruin someone's hopes

extinguish a thirst

to satisfy a need for drink

extinction

the state of a species, family, or larger group being or becoming extinct.

extinguishable

capable of being extinguished.

To end someone's hopes or ambitions.

He totally extinguished my dreams of becoming a musician.

To eliminate someone from a situation.

He tried to extinguish the competition in the race.