terminate

verb

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ter·mi·nate | \ ˈtər-mə-ˌnāt

terminated; terminating

Definition of terminate

(Entry 1 of 2)

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 line

b : to discontinue the employment of workers terminated because of slow business

c : to form the conclusion of review questions terminate each chapter

2 : to serve as an ending, limit, or boundary of

3 : assassinate, kill

terminate

adjective

ter·mi·nate | \ ˈtər-mə-nət

Definition of terminate (Entry 2 of 2)

: coming to an end or capable of ending

Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More About terminate

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Synonyms & Antonyms for terminate

Synonyms: Verb

Antonyms: Verb

Choose the Right Synonym for terminate

Verb

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

Examples of terminate in a Sentence

Verb 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.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb The three judges upheld the circuit-court decision to terminate the mother’s parental rights to K.M.4. — News Service Of Florida, sun-sentinel.com, 10 June 2021 In a May 21 verdict following a trial, a six person jury found that race played a motivating factor in AdventHealth’s decision to terminate Rop from a radiology residency. — Kalia Richardson, orlandosentinel.com, 4 June 2021 The university did not explain what motivated its decision to terminate Greek life on campus. — Jason Nark, oregonlive, 22 May 2021 Cunningham's decision to terminate Brannen came two weeks after Cunningham announced the university was reviewing unspecified allegations related to Brannen and the men's basketball program after six of Brannen's players entered the transfer portal. — Keith Jenkins, The Enquirer, 21 May 2021 If the client must exit immediately, speak with them or email a kind note informing them of the decision to terminate. — Expert Panel®, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2021 The Philippines has twice delayed Duterte’s decision to terminate the agreement since last February, allowing the country to work with Washington on a long-term pact. — Mike Brest, Washington Examiner, 12 Feb. 2021 The decision to terminate the contract comes as the Pac-12 is set to begin negotiations on the league's next media-rights agreement. — Steve Berkowitz, USA TODAY, 21 Jan. 2021 Mnuchin also at the hearing adamantly defended his decision to terminate several emergency lending facilities under the Federal Reserve. — Washington Post, 10 Dec. 2020

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