Extinguish Meaning
/ɪkˈstɪŋ.ɡwɪʃ/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
verbTo stop (fire, etc.) from burning; also, to stop (light, etc.) from shining; to put out, to quench.
verbTo end (something)., To stop (fire, etc.) from burning; also, to stop (light, etc.) from shining; to put out, to quench.
Sentence Examples
Don't forget to extinguish your cigarette.
The fireman could not extinguish the flames.
No one can extinguish a light that shines from within.
CEFR Practice Quiz
Firefighters struggled to ____ the massive forest fire overnight.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The firefighters worked through the night to ____ the massive blaze in the forest.
Word Origin & History
Borrowed from Latin extinguo (“to put out (what is burning), quench, extinguish, deprive of life, destroy, abolish”), from ex (“out”) + stinguere (“to put out, quench, extinguish”). Doublet of extinct.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"1668 December 19, James Dalrymple, “Mr. Alexander Seaton contra Menzies” in The Deciſions of the Lords of Council & Seſſion I (Edinburgh, 1683), page 575"
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"If the amnesty becomes law as expected this month or in June, it promises to extinguish the charges Puigdemont faces of disobedience and misuse of public funds."
— 2024 May 11, Barney Jopson, “Catalonia separatist deal tested at ballot box”, in FT Weekend, London: The Financial Times Ltd., →ISSN, →OCLC, page 2:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Firefighters struggled to ____ the massive forest fire overnight.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The firefighters worked through the night to ____ the massive blaze in the forest.