Snuffing

Snuffing, primarily used as a gerund, refers to the act of extinguishing a flame, often by pinching or covering it. More broadly, it describes the act of inhaling something rapidly or deeply, often with a snorting sound, as in "snuffing a line of cocaine". Figuratively, it can mean to put an end to something, especially abruptly or decisively, as in "snuffing out hope". The word carries connotations of finality and a quick, often silencing, action. The context determines the nuance, ranging from the literal extinction of a candle flame to the figurative termination of an idea or a life. It suggests a forceful and deliberate act, unlike, say, merely allowing a flame to die out.

Snuffing meaning with examples

• He carefully positioned the wick between his fingers and, with a practiced move, was able to prevent the flame from escaping through snuffing the candle. The room was filled with the scent of beeswax and a gentle darkness fell, leaving a sense of quiet calm.
• Detectives investigated the scene, piecing together the evidence, but the trail went cold. The vital clue was lost during the search. They were left in the frustrating position of having to accept that someone was at risk of snuffing out the investigation before it was able to properly start.
• She was so distraught, she was unable to do anything but collapse onto the bed. She took a deep breath, the smell of the old lavender pillows brought her a moment of peace, snuffing the scent of the previous panic.
• The old detective's experience had taught him to read between the lines. His intuition told him to beware, that the killer wanted to escape. If he let his guard down now, he risked snuffing the chances of a final confession.
• In the dimly lit alleyway, he nervously pulled out a vial of white powder. His heart pounded as he put the tiny straw to his nostril. He prepared himself, sniffing it up deep within, snuffing his latest problem.