Terminate
/ˈtɜːrmɪneɪt/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo bring something to an end; to conclude.
/ˈtɜːrmɪneɪt/
To bring something to an end
The meeting will terminate at 5 PM.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing a video game, and you're about to lose. When the game ends, it *terminates*. It's like putting a full stop at the end of a sentence or shutting down a computer.
👶 For kids: To make something stop.
More Examples
The agreement was terminated early due to unforeseen circumstances.
The software automatically terminates after a period of inactivity.
How It's Used
"The company terminated his contract due to poor performance."
"The lease agreement can be terminated with a 30-day notice."
"The program terminated unexpectedly."
To dismiss someone from a job or position.
/ˈtɜːrmɪneɪt/
To dismiss someone from a job
The company had to terminate several employees due to budget cuts.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're not doing well at your job and the boss says, "Your job is terminated." It means you lose your job.
👶 For kids: To be told you can't work there anymore.
More Examples
His contract was terminated due to poor performance.
After numerous warnings, the employee was terminated from his position.
How It's Used
"The employee was terminated after repeated violations of company policy."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
terminate with extreme prejudice
To kill someone without any mercy or hesitation.
"The secret agent was ordered to terminate the target with extreme prejudice."
From Latin *terminare*, meaning 'to set bounds to, limit, end'. It's related to the word *terminus*, which referred to a boundary stone.
Historically, *terminate* has been used in legal and formal contexts to denote the setting of boundaries or the ending of agreements. Its usage has broadened over time.
Memory tip
Think of the word 'terminus' which marks the end of a journey, which helps remember 'terminate' means ending something.
Word Origin
"boundary, limit, end"