extinguish

[ ik-sting-gwish ]
/ ɪkˈstɪŋ gwɪʃ /

verb (used with object)

to put out (a fire, light, etc.); put out the flame of (something burning or lighted): to extinguish a candle.
to put an end to or bring to an end; wipe out of existence; annihilate: to extinguish hope.
to obscure or eclipse, as by superior brilliance.
Law. to discharge (a debt), as by payment.

Origin of extinguish

1535–45; < Latin ex(s)tingu(ere) ( ex- ex-1 + stinguere to quench) + -ish2

SYNONYMS FOR extinguish

1 quench, smother, snuff out, blow out.

OTHER WORDS FROM extinguish

Example sentences from the Web for extinguishment

British Dictionary definitions for extinguishment

extinguish
/ (ɪkˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ) /

verb (tr)

to put out or quench (a light, flames, etc)
to remove or destroy entirely; annihilate
archaic to eclipse or obscure by or as if by superior brilliance
law to discharge (a debt)

Derived forms of extinguish

extinguishable, adjective extinguisher, noun extinguishment, noun

Word Origin for extinguish

C16: from Latin exstinguere, from stinguere to quench

Medical definitions for extinguishment

extinguish
[ ĭk-stĭnggwĭsh ]

n.

To bring about the extinction of a conditioned response.