kibosh

American  

[kahy-bosh, ki-bosh] / ˈkaɪ bɒʃ, kɪˈbɒʃ /

noun

Informal.

1. nonsense.

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idioms

1. put the kibosh on, to put an end to; squelch; check.

   Another such injury may put the kibosh on her athletic career.

kibosh British  

/ ˈkaɪˌbɒʃ /

noun

1. to put a stop to; prevent from continuing; halt

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verb

1. (tr) to put a stop to

kibosh More Idioms  

1. see put the kibosh on.

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Etymology

Origin of kibosh

First recorded in 1830–40; of obscure origin

Explanation

When you put the kibosh on something, you refuse to let it happen, or you bring it to an end. Your town may put the kibosh on dogs in the park if their owners don't clean up after them. You'll almost always find the word kibosh in the phrase "put the kibosh on." Kids often feel like their teachers and parents are constantly putting the kibosh on their fun, and you may be disappointed when a rainy day puts the kibosh on your picnic plans. The origin of kibosh is unknown — though many people think it's Yiddish, the word's earliest use was probably in an Irish neighborhood in London in the early 1800s.

Example Sentences

But whether a listener calls for a boycott of Harbour’s projects or a kibosh on Allen’s music, they’re playing into Allen’s hand.

From Salon • Oct. 29, 2025

“I suppose they think they can put a kibosh on it,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 13, 2024

But so far ministers have been bullish, regarding pretty much all of these amendments as ultimately trying to kibosh their entire plan.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2024

Even at that, a federal study on physical education in the 1920s put the kibosh on girls basketball in some areas of the state.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 12, 2024

On the third day, Al Ulbrickson put the kibosh on their swimming.

From "The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics" by Daniel James Brown