terminator

[ tur-muh-ney-ter ]

noun

1. a person or thing that terminates.
2. Astronomy. the dividing line between the illuminated and the unilluminated part of a satellite or planet, especially the moon.

Word History and Origins

Origin of terminator¹

1760–70; < Late Latin terminātor, equivalent to terminā ( re ) to terminate + -tor -tor

Example Sentences

McG is the professional name of Joseph McGinty Nichol, a former record producer who is now a movie producer and director known for “Charlies Angels: Full Throttle,” “Terminator Salvation” and “Uglies.”

From Los Angeles Times

Before his stint as California’s governor, the Austria native was — and perhaps still is — most famous for his roles in the “Terminator” movie franchise, and for his long career as a bodybuilder.

From Los Angeles Times

It was a reference to a “Terminator” meme embraced by the far right.

From Los Angeles Times

"We watch Terminator and we form the idea that AI has malicious intentions towards humanity and that it will destroy us in the near future," he said.

From BBC

In 1984's The Terminator, which Cameron wrote and directed, a rogue AI called Skynet threatens the existence of mankind.

From BBC