First Known Use: circa 1540
Dictionary
extinguish
verb ex·tin·guish \ik-ˈstiŋ-(g)wish\
: to cause (something) to stop burning
: to cause the end or death of (something)
Full Definition of EXTINGUISH
transitive verb
1
a (1) : to bring to an end : make an end of <hope for their safety was slowly extinguished> (2) : to reduce to silence or ineffectiveness b : to cause to cease burning : quench c : to cause extinction of (a conditioned response) d : to dim the brightness of : eclipse
2
a : to cause to be void : nullify <extinguish a claim> b : to get rid of usually by payment <extinguish a debt>
— ex·tin·guish·able \-(g)wi-shə-bəl\ adjective
— ex·tin·guish·er \-shər\ noun
— ex·tin·guish·ment \-mənt\ noun
See extinguish defined for English-language learners
See extinguish defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of EXTINGUISH
Latin exstinguere (from ex- + stinguere to extinguish) + English -ish (as in abolish); akin to Latin instigare to incite — more at stick
EXTINGUISH Defined for Kids
extinguish
verb ex·tin·guish \ik-ˈstiŋ-gwish\
ex·tin·guishedex·tin·guish·ing
Definition of EXTINGUISH for Kids
1
: to cause to stop burning
2
: to cause to die out <More bad news extinguished all hope.>
— ex·tin·guish·er noun
Medical Dictionary
extinguish
transitive verb ex·tin·guish \ik-ˈstiŋ-(g)wish\
Medical Definition of EXTINGUISH
: to cause extinction of (a conditioned response) <extinguish an avoidance response>
Learn More About EXTINGUISH
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: extinguishantPrevious Word in the Dictionary: extineAll Words Near: extinguish
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up extinguish? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).