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

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

But when lithium batteries are corrupted, they can experience thermal runaway – meaning a cell undergoes uncontrollable temperature rises, making a fire hard to control and extinguish.

From BBC

Right now, the agency manages some naturally ignited fires rather than immediately extinguishing them so that the flames can achieve ecological benefits like consuming excess vegetation.

From Los Angeles Times

Crews wore breathing apparatus to enter the property and extinguished the blaze by 05:55 GMT.

From BBC

Related Words

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