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Definition of extinguish

extinguish

/ɪkˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ/
ex · tin · guish
Adjective:extinguishable
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Past Simple:extinguished
•
Past Participle:extinguished
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Present Participle:extinguishing
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extinguish Lexical Profile

extinguish Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To cause a fire, flame, or light to stop burning or shining.

Example

"The campers poured buckets of water over the embers to extinguish the campfire before going to sleep."

2

To bring a feeling, hope, or abstract quality to a complete end.

Example

"The sudden funding cut did not extinguish the research team's determination to complete the project."

3

To cancel or discharge a debt, right, or legal obligation by full payment or operation of law.

Example

"The company issued new shares to extinguish its remaining long-term debt."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for extinguish

• Nearby Words

externship
extinct
extinction
extinguish
extinguishable
extinguisher
extispex

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-16th century from Latin exstinguere ('to quench, put out, destroy'), formed from ex- ('out') and stinguere ('to quench').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Extinguish. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/extinguish
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