extinguish
UK: /ɪkˈstɪŋ.ɡwɪʃ/ | US: /ɪkˈstɪŋ.ɡwɪʃ/
vt. to cause (a fire or light) to stop burning or shining
vt. to put an end to (something abstract, e.g., hope, rights)
vt. (obsolete) to wipe out or destroy completely
extinguish = ex<out> + sting<quench> + uish<verb suffix>
- ex (Latin: "out")
- sting (from Latin stinguere, "to quench or erase")
- uish (verb-forming suffix, often indicating action)
Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin extinguere, combining ex- ("out") and stinguere ("to quench"). The original sense involved literal quenching (e.g., fire), later extending metaphorically to abstract concepts like rights or hope. The spelling evolved through Old French esteindre before settling into English as "extinguish."
Firefighters worked tirelessly to extinguish the blaze.
The new law threatens to extinguish small businesses.
She used a damp cloth to extinguish the candle.
His harsh words extinguished her enthusiasm.
The invention of electric lights extinguished the demand for oil lamps.