extinguish

[ ik-sting-gwish ]

verb (used with object)

1. to put out (a fire, light, etc.); put out the flame of (something burning or lighted):

   to extinguish a candle.

   Synonyms: smother, quench

   Antonyms: ignite, light

2. to put an end to or bring to an end; wipe out of existence; annihilate:

   to extinguish hope.

3. to obscure or eclipse, as by superior brilliance.
4. Law. to discharge (a debt), as by payment.

extinguish

/ ɪkˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ /

verb

1. to put out or quench (a light, flames, etc)
2. to remove or destroy entirely; annihilate
3. archaic.
   to eclipse or obscure by or as if by superior brilliance
4. law to discharge (a debt)

Derived Forms

• exˈtinguisher, noun
• exˈtinguishment, noun
• exˈtinguishable, adjective

Other Words From

• ex·tinguish·a·ble adjective
• ex·tinguish·ment noun
• nonex·tinguish·a·ble adjective
• nonex·tinguished adjective
• preex·tinguish verb (used with object)
• preex·tinguish·ment noun
• self-ex·tinguish·ing adjective
• unex·tinguish·a·ble adjective
• unex·tinguished adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of extinguish¹

1535–45; < Latin ex ( s ) tingu ( ere ) ( ex- ex- ¹ + stinguere to quench) + -ish ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of extinguish¹

C16: from Latin exstinguere, from stinguere to quench

Example Sentences

A fire caused by fallen debris from one of the missiles was quickly extinguished and there were no casualties, it said.

From BBC

"Thankfully, our fire service colleagues were able to extinguish the blaze before it spread to them," the officer said.

From BBC

Firefighters extinguished the fire shortly after 2 a.m.

From Los Angeles Times

Police added the large cordon encompassing several nearby streets remained in place after the blaze was extinguished due to ongoing safety concerns, but this would be continually reviewed and adapted by experts.

From BBC

A fire on the tram was quickly extinguished and riot officers cleared the square, making arrests, German broadcaster DW reports.

From BBC

Related Words

• abate
• annihilate
• destroy
• eliminate
• eradicate
• erase
• exterminate
• obliterate
• quell
• stamp out
• suppress
• wipe out