snuff

¹

[ snuhf ]

verb (used with object)

1. to draw in through the nose by inhaling.
2. to perceive by or as by smelling; sniff.
3. to examine by smelling, as an animal does.

verb (used without object)

1. to draw air into the nostrils by inhaling, as to smell something; snuffle:

   After snuffing around, he found the gas leak.

2. to draw powdered tobacco into the nostrils; take snuff.
3. Obsolete. to express disdain, contempt, displeasure, etc., by sniffing (often followed by at ).

noun

1. an act of snuffing; an inhalation through the nose; a sniff.
2. smell, scent, or odor.
3. a preparation of tobacco, either powdered and taken into the nostrils by inhalation or ground and placed between the cheek and gum.
4. a pinch of such tobacco.

snuff

²

[ snuhf ]

noun

1. the charred or partly consumed portion of a candlewick.
2. a thing of little or no value, especially if left over.

verb (used with object)

1. to cut off or remove the snuff of (candles, tapers, etc.).

verb phrase

1. 1. to extinguish:

      to snuff out a candle.

   2. to suppress; crush:

      to snuff out opposition.

   3. Informal. to kill, murder, or bring to a sudden end:

      Many lives were snuffed out during the epidemic.

snuff

¹

/ snʌf /

verb

1. tr to inhale through the nose
2. whenintr, often foll by at (esp of an animal) to examine by sniffing

noun

1. an act or the sound of snuffing

snuff

²

/ snʌf /

noun

1. finely powdered tobacco for sniffing up the nostrils or less commonly for chewing
2. a small amount of this
3. any powdered substance, esp one for sniffing up the nostrils
4. up to snuff informal.
   1. in good health or in good condition
   2. not easily deceived

verb

1. intr to use or inhale snuff

snuff

³

/ snʌf /

verb

1. often foll by out to extinguish (a light from a naked flame, esp a candle)
2. to cut off the charred part of (the wick of a candle, etc)
3. informal.
   usually foll by out to suppress; put an end to
4. snuff it informal.
   to die

noun

1. the burned portion of the wick of a candle

Derived Forms

• ˈsnuffer, noun

Other Words From

• snuffing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of snuff¹

First recorded in 1520–30; probably from Middle Dutch snuffen, snoffen

Origin of snuff²

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English noun snof(fe), snuffe; further origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of snuff¹

C16: probably from Middle Dutch snuffen to snuffle, ultimately of imitative origin

Origin of snuff²

C17: from Dutch snuf, shortened from snuftabale, literally: tobacco for snuffing; see snuff ¹

Origin of snuff³

C14 snoffe, of obscure origin

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. up to snuff, Informal.
   1. British. not easily imposed upon; shrewd; sharp.
   2. up to a certain standard; satisfactory:

      His performance wasn't up to snuff.

More idioms and phrases containing snuff

In addition to the idiom beginning with snuff , also see up to par (snuff) .

Example Sentences

On came George Ford, a 97-cap arch game manager, the hero of England's World Cup win over Argentina, to snuff the life out of New Zealand and nurse the scoreline through to victory.

From BBC

But others say it was also a strategic decision - to deny Tasmanian Aboriginal people rights, and to snuff out their culture.

From BBC

"For many years the army has had its way with dissent. It’s been able to snuff it out through crackdowns," he said.

From BBC

Inside, you can be sure every effort will be made to snuff out the merest hint of discontent.

From Los Angeles Times

With all dissent snuffed out at home, Russia is turning its attention to opponents who have sought refuge in the West.

From BBC

Related Words

• extinguish