terminate

play

verb ter·mi·nate \ˈtər-mə-ˌnāt\

Definition of terminate

terminated

;

terminating

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

See terminate defined for English-language learners

See terminate defined for kids

15th Century

First Known Use of terminate

15th century

Synonym Discussion of terminate

close, end, conclude, finish, complete, terminate mean to bring or come to a stopping point or limit. close usually implies that something has been in some way open as well as unfinished. close a debate end conveys a strong sense of finality. ended his life conclude may imply a formal closing (as of a meeting). the service concluded with a blessing finish may stress completion of a final step in a process. after it is painted, the house will be finished complete implies the removal of all deficiencies or a successful finishing of what has been undertaken. the resolving of this last issue completes the agreement terminate implies the setting of a limit in time or space. your employment terminates after three months

terminate

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adjective ter·mi·nate \ˈtər-mə-nət\

Definition of terminate

: coming to an end or capable of ending

Examples of terminate in a sentence

The branches of that tree terminate in flower clusters.
The rail line terminates in Boston.
You have to terminate the program before the computer will shut down properly.
His contract was terminated last month.
He was terminated last month.
Plans are being made to terminate unproductive employees.

Origin and Etymology of terminate

Middle English, from Latin terminatus, past participle of terminare, from terminus

First Known Use: 15th century

TERMINATE Defined for English Language Learners

terminate

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adjective ter·mi·nate \ˈtər-mə-nət\

Definition of terminate for English Language Learners

: to end in a particular way or at a particular place
: to cause (something) to end
: to take a job away from (someone)

TERMINATE Defined for Kids

terminate

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verb ter·mi·nate \ˈtər-mə-ˌnāt\

Definition of terminate for Students

terminated

;

terminating

: ²end, close I terminated my membership.

Word Root of terminate

The Latin word terminus, meaning “boundary” or “limit,” gives us the root termin or term. Words from the Latin terminus have something to do with boundaries or limits. A term is a limited period of time during which something, such as school, occurs or exists. To determine is to set exact boundaries for something. To terminate, or cause to end, is to take to a boundary or limit.

Law Dictionary

terminate

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verb ter·mi·nate \ˈtər-mə-ˌnāt\

Legal Definition of terminate

terminated

terminating

intransitive verb
: to come to an end in time or effect
transitive verb
1 : to bring to a definite end especially before a natural conclusion terminate a contract — compare cancel, rescind
2 : to discontinue the employment of