Extinguished
ɪkˈstɪŋɡwɪʃt
Definitions
2 meaningsTo cause to stop burning or shining; to put out (a fire, light, or flame).
ɪkˈstɪŋɡwɪʃt
To put out a fire or light; to cause to cease to burn or shine.
The firefighter quickly extinguished the flames.
💡 Simply: Imagine a candle that's lit and you blow it out. That's extinguishing! It's like turning off the lights on a flame. For example, the firefighter quickly *extinguished* the flames.
👶 For kids: Making something stop burning or shining, like blowing out a candle.
More Examples
He extinguished the cigarette before entering the building.
They extinguished the lights before leaving the cinema.
How It's Used
"The firefighters extinguished the blaze."
"As the sun set, the last embers of the campfire were extinguished."
To bring to an end; to eliminate or destroy.
ɪkˈstɪŋɡwɪʃt
To abolish or annul; to end, destroy, or terminate.
The company extinguished the contract after a breach.
💡 Simply: This can also mean to get rid of something completely, like when you settle a debt or end something. Imagine a problem being completely *extinguished*, gone forever!
👶 For kids: Making something stop completely, like ending a game.
More Examples
His hopes were extinguished after the disappointing news.
The treaty extinguished any claims to the territory.
How It's Used
"The debt was extinguished upon the debtor's death."
"The war extinguished any hope of reconciliation."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
Extinguished the flame
To end or destroy a feeling, desire, or hope, especially love or passion.
"His infidelity extinguished the flame of their love."
From Old French *esteindre* meaning 'to put out,' from Latin *exstinguere* meaning 'to quench, put out, destroy,' from *ex-* (out) + *stinguere* (to quench, extinguish).
The word 'extinguish' has been used since the 14th century, initially referring to putting out a fire or light and later extended to the ending of abstract concepts.
Memory tip
Think of the fire going 'extinct' and 'wished' away.