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American Dictionary of the English Language

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Extinguish


EXTIN'GUISH, verb transitive [Latin extinguo; ex and stingo, stinguo, or the latter may be a contraction; Gr. to prick, that is, to thrust; or more directly from tingo, to dip, to stain; both probably allied to tango, for tago, to touch.

1. To put out; to quench; to suffocate; to destroy; as, to extinguish fire or flame.

2. To destroy; to put an end to; as, to extinguish love or hatred in the breast; to extinguish desire or hope; to extinguish a claim or title.

3. To cloud or obscure by superior splendor.

4. To put an end to, by union or consolidation. [See Extinguishment.]