expire

[ ik-spahyuhr ]

verb (used without object)

, ex·pired, ex·pir·ing.

1. to come to an end; terminate, as a contract, guarantee, or offer.
2. to emit the last breath; die.
3. to breathe out.
4. to die out, as a fire.

verb (used with object)

, ex·pired, ex·pir·ing.

1. to breathe out; emit (air) from the lungs.
2. Archaic. to give off, emit, or eject.

expire

/ ɪkˈspaɪə /

verb

1. intr to finish or run out; cease; come to an end
2. to breathe out (air); exhale
3. intr to die

Derived Forms

• exˈpirer, noun

Other Words From

• ex·pirer noun
• ex·piring·ly adverb
• nonex·piring adjective
• unex·pired adjective
• unex·piring adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of expire¹

1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin ex ( s ) pīrāre to breathe out, equivalent to ex- ex- ¹ + spīrāre to breathe

Word History and Origins

Origin of expire¹

C15: from Old French expirer, from Latin exspīrāre to breathe out, from spīrāre to breathe

Example Sentences

Jarmond’s extension to a contract set to expire in the summer of 2026 was finalized in the spring, according to the school, at a time when chancellor Gene Block was in his final months on the job.

From Los Angeles Times

The Bruins could always add a high school player or two after the season to fill the holes created by the departures of Lazar Stefanovic and Kobe Johnson, the only players on their roster whose eligibility is about to expire.

From Los Angeles Times

Some of the tenant protections in the city’s proposal already are mandated by state law, but set to expire in coming years.

From Los Angeles Times

Recess appointments also are meant to be temporary and expire at the end of a congressional session - at most, one year.

From BBC

The current MLB deals with ESPN, Fox and TNT expire in 2028.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cease
• close
• conclude
• depart
• die
• finish
• lapse
• pass
• pass away
• quit
• run out
• terminate