Main Entry: ¹end

Pronunciation: \ˈend\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English ende, from Old English; akin to Old High German enti end, Latin ante before, Greek anti against

Date: before 12th century

1 a : the part of an area that lies at the boundary b (1) : a point that marks the extent of something (2) : the point where something ceases to exist <world without end> c : the extreme or last part lengthwise : tip d : the terminal unit of something spatial that is marked off by units e : a player stationed at the extremity of a line (as in football)
2 a : cessation of a course of action, pursuit, or activity b : death, destruction c (1) : the ultimate state (2) : result, issue
3 : something incomplete, fragmentary, or undersized : remnant
4 a : an outcome worked toward : purpose <the end of poetry is to be poetry — R. P. Warren> b : the object by virtue of or for the sake of which an event takes place
5 a : a share in an undertaking <kept your end up> b : a particular operation or aspect of an undertaking or organization <the sales end of the business>
6 : something that is extreme : ultimate —used with the
7 : a period of action or turn in any of various sports events (as archery or lawn bowling)

synonyms see intention

— end·ed \ˈen-dəd\ adjective

— in the end : after all, ultimately <will surely succeed in the end>

— no end : exceedingly <it pleases us no end>

— on end : without a stop or letup <it rained for days on end>