extinguish
ik-STING-gwish
/ɪkˈstɪŋ.ɡwɪʃ/
To cause a fire or light to cease burning, or to bring an end to something.
Implies complete put-out action, leaving no active combustion behind.
The story behind the word. From Latin exstinguere, formed from ex- (out) and stinguere (to prick out or quench). The original image was thrusting a pointed stick into a small flame to snuff it.
Word relationships
- douse: Douse specifically implies putting out fire by pouring liquid over it.
- quench: Quench often applies to thirst or hot metal cooling alongside fire extinguishing.
- ignite: Ignite means setting something on fire rather than putting it out.
Commonly confused with
- suppress: Suppressing a fire controls its growth, whereas extinguishing it eliminates the flame completely.
Word family
- extinguisher (noun): A portable device for putting out fires.
- extinction (noun): The state of being extinguished or dying out.
Collocations
- extinguish flames
- extinguish a fire
- extinguish hope
Example sentences
- "Firefighters worked through the night to extinguish the warehouse blaze." Fire Department Operations
- "The sudden downpour helped extinguish any remaining hopes of continuing the outdoor match." Figurative Context
Memory hook
EXTINGUISH means EX-ting (exit) the sting of the flames. Exit the flames.
When not to use
Do not use when simply lowering heat or turning down a burner without completely turning it off.
Fun facts
- Water extinguishes fire not just by cooling it, but also by smothering it with steam that displaces oxygen.
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