end

UK: end | US: end

Definition

  1. n. the final part of something

  2. n. a goal or purpose

  3. v. to bring something to a conclusion

Structure
end <termination>
Etymology

The word "end" traces back to Old English end(e), meaning "termination, limit, or conclusion." It shares roots with Old High German enti and Old Norse endir, all derived from Proto-Germanic andja. This term likely originated from the Proto-Indo-European root **ant-, meaning "front" or "forehead," which metaphorically evolved to signify "boundary" or "limit." The semantic shift reflects the idea of a forward edge or extremity marking a stopping point.

Examples

  1. The movie had a surprising end.

  2. She worked hard to achieve her end goal.

  3. They decided to end their partnership.

  4. The road seemed to stretch on without end.

  5. He tied a knot at the end of the rope.