extinguish

verb

ex·tin·guish | \ik-ˈstiŋ-(g)wish

extinguished; extinguishing; extinguishes

Definition of extinguish

transitive verb

1a(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

2a : to cause to be void : nullify extinguish a claim

b : to get rid of usually by payment extinguish a debt

Other Words from extinguish Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about extinguish

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Other Words from extinguish

extinguishable \ik-ˈstiŋ-(g)wi-shə-bəl

\ adjective

extinguisher \ik-ˈstiŋ-(g)wi-shər

\ noun

extinguishment \ik-ˈstiŋ-(g)wish-mənt

\ noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for extinguish

Synonyms

blanket, douse (also dowse), put out, quench, snuff (out)

Antonyms

fire, ignite, inflame (also enflame), kindle, light

Examples of extinguish in a Sentence

The fire department was called in to extinguish the blaze. He extinguished his cigarette in the ashtray. They ruthlessly extinguished all resistance. News of the conflict extinguished our hopes for a peaceful resolution.

Recent Examples on the Web

Over nearly a century, land managers have worked to extinguish blazes as quickly as possible rather than letting them run their course. — Umair Irfan, Vox, "Ryan Zinke blamed environmentalists for California’s massive wildfires. Again.," 21 Nov. 2018 Brutally honest, outspoken and fearless Goes with their gut, never favors appearance 'Cause who has time for vanity with opponents to extinguish? — Halsey, Glamour, "Halsey Has a Poem With a Powerful Message for All Women: 'Be Inconvenient'," 11 Nov. 2018 Challenge-takers pour rubbing alcohol on themselves and light themselves on fire before rushing to extinguish the flames with water — and film themselves the whole time. — Sarah Mearhoff, Teen Vogue, "A "Fire Challenge" Gone Wrong Left a 12-Year-Old With Serious Burns," 21 Aug. 2018 Hinch spoke before Friday's game of Morton's easy ability to extinguish the bitter memories of that forgettable night. — Chandler Rome, Houston Chronicle, "Evan Gattis' grand slam lifts Astros over Royals," 15 June 2018 And rangers say campers are failing to extinguish their campfires, creating an untenable situation. — Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, "Wildfires in Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona force closure of large chunks of forest," 12 June 2018 Flames threatened about 80 homes, prompting mandatory evacuations as ground crews and air-tanker helicopters worked to extinguish the flames. — City News Service, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Firefighters continue to douse hot spots left behind by Adobe Falls fire," 4 June 2018 Firefighters extinguished the fire by 8:20 a.m., the spokesman said. — Zolan Kanno-youngs, WSJ, "Deadly Car Crash Shuts Down Brooklyn Bridge," 21 Nov. 2018 The structure was engulfed in flames as firefighters poured on water from the exterior, according to the tweet at 5:33 a.m. The incident was called in at 5:16 a.m., and was almost completely extinguished by 6:40, Tinsley said. — Christine Clarridge, The Seattle Times, "Fire in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood damages town houses under construction," 13 Sep. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'extinguish.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.