Extinguish

To Extinguish means to cause a fire or light to cease burning or shining. It signifies putting out, dousing, or quelling something that is ablaze or luminous. More broadly, it can refer to eliminating or destroying something, often abstract, such as a feeling, hope, or relationship. The act implies a deliberate effort to end the existence or activity of something, signifying control and termination. It suggests a forceful action to suppress or bring something to an end, whether physical or metaphorical. This can involve the application of a substance to put out a flame or adopting a course of action to eradicate a sentiment.

Extinguish meaning with examples

• The firefighter worked tirelessly to Extinguish the raging forest fire. They used water hoses and specialized equipment to douse the flames and prevent the fire from spreading. The effort required great skill and determination to prevent further destruction, showcasing the importance of swift and decisive action to control the dangerous situation and prevent any loss of life or property.
• Despite the efforts of the community, the company decided to Extinguish the factory. This included shutting down its operations, resulting in massive layoffs, which brought economic hardship to the region. The impact was wide reaching and destroyed the lives of many families, highlighting the consequences of closure and the difficult decisions companies sometimes have to make.
• She fought to Extinguish her feelings of resentment towards her ex-partner. Therapy and self-reflection allowed her to address the painful emotions, preventing those feelings from controlling her actions or decisions. The focus was on promoting emotional wellbeing and finding peace and a path to letting go of the negativity.
• The government's new policies aimed to Extinguish any remaining resistance to the reforms. This involved implementing strict measures to curb dissent, aiming to create stability and foster a unified national vision. However, those methods were criticized for eroding freedom and hindering progress, so the long term effects were a topic of concern.