Main Entry: ²ter·mi·nate

Pronunciation: \ˈtər-mə-ˌnāt\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): ter·mi·nat·ed; ter·mi·nat·ing

Date: 15th century

intransitive verb 1 : to extend only to a limit (as a point or line); especially : to reach a terminus
2 : to form an ending
3 : to come to an end in timetransitive verb 1 a : to bring to an end : close <terminate a marriage by divorce> <terminate a transmission line> b : to form the conclusion of <review questions terminate each chapter> c : to discontinue the employment of <workers terminated because of slow business>
2 : to serve as an ending, limit, or boundary of
3 : assassinate, kill

synonyms see close