extinguishes; extinguished; extinguishing
1
: to cause (something) to stop burning
The fire department was called in to extinguish the blaze.
He extinguished his cigarette in the ashtray.
2
: to cause the end or death of (something)
They ruthlessly extinguished all resistance.
News of the conflict extinguished our hopes for a peaceful resolution.
Cite this Entry
“Extinguish.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/extinguish. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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