extinguish
1 of 1verb/ˈɪks.tɪng.wɪʃ/
Forms:extinguishes,extinguishing,extinguished,extinguished
1
to end or destroy something entirely
transitive- The authorities took swift action to extinguish the criminal organization.
- Scientists are working to extinguish the spread of the infectious disease.
- The company implemented a new strategy to extinguish inefficiencies and improve overall productivity.
Synonyms:
2
to make a fire or flame stop burning
transitive- The firefighters worked all night to extinguish the raging forest fire.
- The candle was extinguished with a gentle puff of air.
- She used a fire extinguisher to extinguish the small kitchen fire.
- The sudden rainstorm helped extinguish the flames from the burning building.
- The campfire was carefully extinguished before everyone went to bed.
Antonyms:
3
to cause the death of someone
transitive- The assassin was hired to extinguish the target without leaving any trace.
- The ruthless dictator ordered his soldiers to extinguish all opposition.
- The criminal mastermind planned to extinguish anyone who posed a threat to his empire.
- The hitman was successful in extinguishing his victim under the cover of darkness.
- The serial killer would extinguish his victims in a manner that left no evidence.
4
to completely end something, leaving no trace or possibility of continuation
transitive- The treaty was signed to extinguish any further hostilities between the two nations.
- His cruel actions seemed designed to extinguish any hope of reconciliation.
- The policy was designed to extinguish any potential threats to national security.
- They tried to extinguish her dreams, but she remained determined to succeed.
Synonyms: