snuff out

1. Also, snuff it . Die or be killed, as in He looked very ill indeed, as though he might snuff out any day , or Grandpa just snuffed it . [ Slang ; second half of 1800s]

2. Extinguish, put a sudden end to, as in Three young lives were snuffed out in that automobile accident . This usage alludes to snuff in the sense of “put out a candle by pinching the wick,” an area itself called snuff from the late 1300s on. [Mid-1800s]

3. Kill, murder, as in If he told the police, the gang would snuff him out . [ Slang ; first half of 1900s]

Example Sentences

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

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

To make it worse, anti-LGBTQ+ conservatives are actively working to snuff out the rare glimpses of queer culture and joy that do exist in such places.

From Los Angeles Times

“The system we fought for & many died for is being snuffed out before our eyes because the democrats only care about power,” wrote Kent, a decorated Army Special Forces combat veteran.

From Seattle Times