snuff
UK: snʌf | US: snʌf
n. 1. powdered tobacco inhaled or sniffed through the nose
vt. 2. to extinguish (a candle) by pinching or covering the wick
vi. 3. to inhale or sniff audibly
The word "snuff" originated in the late 14th century from Middle Dutch snuffen ("to sniff, snuffle"), imitative of the sound of inhaling sharply. By the 16th century, it evolved to mean "powdered tobacco for sniffing," reflecting its primary use. The verb sense "to extinguish a candle" (1680s) derives from the action of pinching a candlewick, likened to "snuffing out" breath or life—a metaphorical extension of the original sound-action association.
He took a pinch of snuff and sneezed violently.
She snuffed the candle before leaving the room.
The detective snuffed the air, detecting a trace of smoke.
In the 18th century, snuff was a fashionable indulgence among aristocrats.
The wind snuffed out our campfire unexpectedly.