terminates; terminated; terminating
formal
1
: to end in a particular way or at a particular place
The branches of that tree terminate in flower clusters.
The rail line terminates in Boston.
2
: to cause (something) to end
terminate a pregnancy
You have to terminate the program before the computer will shut down properly.
His contract was terminated last month.
They terminated their agreement.
3
US
: to take a job away from (someone) : fire
He was terminated last month.
Plans are being made to terminate unproductive employees.
Cite this Entry
“Terminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/terminate. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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