extinguish

1 of 2

verb

ex·​tin·​guish ik-ˈstiŋ-(g)wish How to pronounce extinguish (audio)
extinguished; extinguishing; extinguishes
Synonyms of extinguishnext

transitive verb

1
a(1)
: to bring to an end : make an end of
hope for their safety was slowly extinguished
(2)
: to reduce to silence or ineffectiveness
b
: to cause to cease burning : quench
extinguished the candles
c
: to cause extinction of (a conditioned response)
d
: to dim the brightness of : eclipse
2
a
: to cause to be void : nullify
extinguish a claim
b
: to get rid of usually by payment
extinguish a debt
extinguishable
ik-ˈstiŋ-(g)wi-shə-bəl How to pronounce extinguish (audio)
adjective
extinguisher
ik-ˈstiŋ-(g)wi-shər How to pronounce extinguish (audio)
noun
extinguishment
ik-ˈstiŋ-(g)wish-mənt How to pronounce extinguish (audio)
noun

extinguisher

2 of 2

noun

ex·​tin·​guish·​er -shə(r) How to pronounce extinguisher (audio)
plural -s
1
: one that extinguishes
specifically : extinguishant
2
a
: a hollow conical cap typically of metal that is used for extinguishing the flame of a candle, lamp, or torch
b
: a mechanical device that throws out fire-extinguishing chemicals : fire extinguisher

Synonyms of extinguish

Relevance

Verb

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Examples of extinguish in a Sentence

Verb The fire department was called in to extinguish the blaze. He extinguished his cigarette in the ashtray. They ruthlessly extinguished all resistance. News of the conflict extinguished our hopes for a peaceful resolution.
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Verb
After burning, extinguish the flames, collect the ashes, and bury them in a safe place. — Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 3 July 2026 Once inside, fire crews found flames in the attic and quickly extinguished them, Nolan said. — Freddrell Green, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026 Demolition is required to address flare ups and extinguish the fire once and for all. — City News Service, Daily News, 4 July 2026 After extinguishing the blaze, firefighters found the father dead on the home’s second floor. — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for extinguish

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Latin exstinguere (from ex- + stinguere to extinguish) + English -ish (as in abolish); akin to Latin instigare to incite — more at stick

First Known Use

Verb

circa 1540, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of extinguish was circa 1540

Rhymes for extinguish

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Browse Nearby Words

extine
extinguish
extinguishable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Extinguish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extinguish. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

extinguish

verb
ex·​tin·​guish ik-ˈstiŋ-gwish How to pronounce extinguish (audio)
1
: to cause to stop burning
2
: to cause to die out
extinguishable
-ə-bəl How to pronounce extinguish (audio)
adjective
extinguisher noun

Medical Definition

extinguish

transitive verb
ex·​tin·​guish ik-ˈstiŋ-(g)wish How to pronounce extinguish (audio)
: to cause extinction of (a conditioned response)
extinguish an avoidance response

Legal Definition

extinguish

transitive verb
ex·​tin·​guish
1
: to cause the nonexistence of : do away with
2
: to cause (as a claim or right) to be void : nullify
3
: to get rid of (a debt or other liability) by payment or other compensatory adjustment
extinguishable adjective
extinguishment noun

More from Merriam-Webster on extinguish

Nglish: Translation of extinguish for Spanish Speakers

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