Definition of finish
intransitive verb
2 a
:to come to the end of a course, task, or undertaking
- I shall finish with a Chopin nocturne
- —Lillian Hellman
b
:to end relations
—used with with
- decided to finish with him for good
3
:to end a competition in a specified manner or position
- finished third in the race
transitive verb
1 a
:to bring to an end :terminate
- finished the speech and sat down
b
:to use or dispose of entirely
- her sandwich finished the loaf
2 a
:to bring to completion or issue
- hope to finish their new home before winter
b
:to provide with a finish;
especially
:to put a final coat or surface on
- finish a table with varnish
3 a
:to defeat or ruin utterly and finally
- the scandal finished his career
b
:to bring about the death of
—usually used with off
- The gladiator finished off his opponent.
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