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to extinguish
01
to end or destroy something entirely
Transitive: to extinguish sth
Examples
The authorities took swift action to extinguish the criminal organization.
Scientists are working to extinguish the spread of the infectious disease.
02
to make a fire or flame stop burning
Transitive: to extinguish a fire or flame
Examples
The firefighters worked all night to extinguish the raging forest fire.
The candle was extinguished with a gentle puff of air.
2.1
to eliminate the brightness of a light
Transitive: to extinguish a light
Examples
The technician adjusted the dimmer to extinguish the bright lights in the theater.
She turned the knob to extinguish the brightness of the desk lamp.
03
to cause the death of someone
Transitive: to extinguish sb
Examples
The assassin was hired to extinguish the target without leaving any trace.
The ruthless dictator ordered his soldiers to extinguish all opposition.
04
to completely end something, leaving no trace or possibility of continuation
Transitive: to extinguish sth
Examples
The treaty was signed to extinguish any further hostilities between the two nations.
His cruel actions seemed designed to extinguish any hope of reconciliation.
Lexical Tree
extinguishable
extinguished
extinguisher
extinguish
