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extinguish

Pronunciation: /ɪkˈstɪŋgwɪʃ, ɛk-/

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Definition of extinguish

verb

[with object]
  • cause (a fire or light) to cease to burn or shine:firemen were soaking everything to extinguish the blaze
  • put an end to; destroy:hope is extinguished little by little
  • subdue or reduce (someone) to silence:a look which would have extinguished any man
  • cancel (a debt) by full payment:the debt was absolutely extinguished
  • Law render (a right or obligation) void: rights of common pasture were extinguished

Derivatives

extinguishable

adjective

extinguishment

noun ( Law)

Origin:

mid 16th century: from Latin exstinguere, from ex- 'out' + stinguere 'quench'. Compare with distinguish

extinguish in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of extinguish in the US English dictionary

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