Expired
/ɪkˈspaɪəd/
Definitions
2 meaningsHaving come to an end of the period of validity or usefulness.
/ɪkˈspaɪəd/
No longer valid or usable
The passport was expired, and the traveler couldn't board the plane.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have a coupon for pizza, but the date on it says it's over. That coupon is expired! It means it can't be used anymore.
👶 For kids: When something is expired, it means it can't be used anymore, like when a toy's batteries run out.
More Examples
The product's expiration date was clearly marked on the packaging.
After the deadline passed, the contract became expired.
How It's Used
"The driver's license was expired, so he couldn't rent a car."
"The coupon expired yesterday."
"The milk was expired and smelled sour."
To come to an end; to terminate; to cease to be in effect or use.
/ɪkˈspaɪəd/
To come to an end; die
The lease expired at the end of the month.
💡 Simply: Imagine a candle. When it's lit, it's working. When the flame goes out, the candle is 'expired' - it has finished its useful life. Same with a person or a thing.
👶 For kids: When something expired, it means it stopped working or ended, like when a light bulb burns out or a person passes away.
More Examples
The copyright protection on the book expired after 70 years.
The old system of governance finally expired, giving way to a new one.
How It's Used
"The patient expired peacefully in their sleep."
"The old regime expired under the weight of its own corruption."
From Latin *exspirare* 'to breathe out, expire,' from *ex-* 'out' + *spirare* 'to breathe.' The sense of 'coming to an end' developed by analogy to a person's life ending.
The word 'expire' has been used since the 14th century, originally meaning to breathe out or exhale.
Memory tip
Think of a credit card's expiration date; after that date, it's expired!
Word Origin
"to breathe"