Extinction
/ɪkˈstɪŋkʃən/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe complete disappearance of a species or group of organisms.
/ɪkˈstɪŋkʃən/
The state or process of a species, family, or other group of organisms dying out.
The dodo bird suffered extinction due to human activities.
💡 Simply: Imagine your favorite animal, like a panda, disappearing completely. Extinction is when all of them are gone forever. It's like when you turn off a light, but the light is a whole group of animals.
👶 For kids: When all the animals of a certain kind die and there aren't any left.
More Examples
Scientists are working to prevent the extinction of endangered species.
The threat of extinction looms over many species due to climate change.
How It's Used
"The extinction of the dinosaurs is attributed to a catastrophic event."
"Habitat destruction is a major driver of species extinction."
"The company faced extinction if it failed to adapt to changing markets."
The act of extinguishing or the state of being extinguished.
/ɪkˈstɪŋkʃən/
The extinction of the fire was swift thanks to the firefighters.
💡 Simply: Like putting out a candle. It means to stop something from burning, or to end something.
👶 For kids: When something like a fire or a light is turned off or stops burning.
More Examples
The extinction of the debt was celebrated by all parties involved.
The extinction of his hopes brought him despair.
How It's Used
"The extinction of the fire was a relief."
"The extinction of the debt occurred when the payment was made."
Synonyms
From Late Latin *extinctio* (“a putting out, extinguishing”), from Latin *exstinguere* (“to extinguish, quench”).
Used in scientific and legal contexts to describe the termination of entities.
Memory tip
Think of a fire being extinguished—extinction is the end of something's existence.