quietus

[ kwahy-ee-tuhs ]

noun

, plural qui·e·tus·es.

1. a finishing stroke; anything that effectually ends or settles:

   Having given a quietus to the argument, she left.

2. discharge or release from life.
3. a period of retirement or inactivity.

quietus

/ -ˈeɪtəs; kwaɪˈiːtəs /

noun

1. anything that serves to quash, eliminate, or kill

   to give the quietus to a rumour

2. a release from life; death
3. the discharge or settlement of debts, duties, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of quietus¹

1530–40; < Medieval Latin quiētus quit (in quiētus est (he) is quit, a formula of acquittance), Latin: (he) is quiet, at rest ( quiet ); quit ¹ (adj.)

Word History and Origins

Origin of quietus¹

C16: from Latin quiētus est, literally: he is at rest, quiet

Example Sentences

The briefest glance at David's productivity and output during his tenure there ought to put the quietus on that canard.

From The Daily Beast

No ranchman or hunter would hesitate a moment, under the circumstances, to give him his eternal quietus.

From Project Gutenberg

His classical purpose was very satisfactory to my views—forming a permanent quietus to my imaginary forebodings.

From Project Gutenberg

The Saints took advantage of the quietus, purchased a horse-mill and soon had it in operation, and released the family graters.

From Project Gutenberg

A fortunate occurrence that happened at this time gave its quietus to the unpopular horse-breaking speculation.

From Project Gutenberg

There is no one to say me nay, or to hold my hand back from giving myself the final quietus.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• death
• decease
• dying