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

Programs such as crop insurance, commodity support and nutrition assistance are set to expire at the end of the year, heightening the urgency for Congress to take action.

From Salon

A straight one-year deal for Guardiola could leave him free to replace Thomas Tuchel when his contract with the Football Association expires.

From BBC

His contract had been due to expire at the end of the current season.

From BBC

Upon taking office in January, Trump plans to extend a 2017 tax bill he signed during his first term that is due to expire at the end of next year.

From Salon

Trump could very well change the Constitution to enable himself to remain on as president after his term expires.

From Salon

Related Words

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