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Expire: meaning, definitions and examples

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expire

 

[ ɪkˈspaɪər ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

food

To come to the end of the period of validity or duration. When a product or document expires, it is no longer usable or legal.

Synonyms

end, finish, terminate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
expire

This word is often used to describe the end of a validity period, such as for documents, subscriptions, or agreements. It carries a sense of natural conclusion over time and can have a negative connotation when referring to living beings.

  • My driver's license is going to expire next month.
  • The milk has expired, so we need to throw it away.
end

This is a general term that can apply to a wide variety of situations where something comes to a stop or conclusion. It is neutral and widely applicable.

  • The movie ends at midnight.
  • We need to end this discussion now.
finish

This word is used when completing an action or task. It suggests reaching the point where no further work or activity is necessary.

  • I will finish my homework before dinner.
  • She finished her race in first place.
terminate

Typically used in formal or legal contexts to indicate stopping something completely. It often carries a stronger, more definitive sense than 'end,' and can sometimes have a negative feeling.

  • The company decided to terminate his contract.
  • They had to terminate the project due to lack of funding.

Examples of usage

  • The milk in the fridge will expire tomorrow.
  • My passport will expire next month.
  • If you don't use the gift card before it expires, you won't be able to redeem it.
Context #2 | Verb

subscription

To reach the end of the period for which a subscription or license is valid and needs to be renewed.

Synonyms

end, finish, terminate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
expire

Use this word when referring to something that reaches the end of its validity period, often used for documents, contracts, or products. It can also mean to die, especially in a formal context.

  • My passport will expire next year
  • The milk has expired
  • He expired peacefully in his sleep
end

This is a general term that can be used in various situations where something is coming to a conclusion or stopping. It is suitable for events, activities, relationships, etc.

  • The movie will end in ten minutes
  • Their friendship ended over a silly argument
  • The class ends at 3 PM
finish

Typically used when referring to the completion of an activity, task, or project. It implies that something is being brought to a successful conclusion.

  • Please finish your homework before dinner
  • I need to finish writing this report
  • The race will finish at the stadium
terminate

Generally used in more formal or technical contexts, often involving contracts, employment, services, or processes. It can have a negative connotation, particularly when related to jobs or agreements.

  • The company decided to terminate his contract
  • They terminated the project due to lack of funding
  • We can terminate the process if it doesn’t meet our standards

Examples of usage

  • My subscription to the magazine expired last week.
  • Don't forget to renew your membership before it expires.
  • If you let your insurance policy expire, you will have to reapply for coverage.
Context #3 | Verb

contract

To reach the end of the period specified in a contract or agreement.

Synonyms

conclude, end, terminate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
expire

Use when referring to something coming to a natural end, often used with documents, contracts, or perishable items.

  • The milk will expire next week.
  • His driver's license expired last month.
end

General term for something finishing or stopping, suitable for various contexts including events, periods, and activities.

  • The movie ends at midnight.
  • Their friendship ended after the argument.
terminate

Often used in formal or legal situations to indicate something is forcibly ended, can have a negative connotation.

  • The company decided to terminate his contract.
  • The agreement was terminated by mutual consent.
conclude

Use when talking about finishing or bringing something to a logical end, often used in formal or intellectual contexts.

  • The meeting concluded after three hours.
  • They concluded their research with a groundbreaking discovery.

Examples of usage

  • The lease on the apartment will expire in six months.
  • If the contract expires without renewal, both parties are free to seek other agreements.
  • The warranty on the appliance will expire next year.

Translations

Translations of the word "expire" in other languages:

🇵🇹 expirar

🇮🇳 समाप्त होना

🇩🇪 ablaufen

🇮🇩 kedaluwarsa

🇺🇦 закінчуватися

🇵🇱 wygasać

🇯🇵 期限が切れる

🇫🇷 expirer

🇪🇸 expirar

🇹🇷 süresi dolmak

🇰🇷 만료되다

🇸🇦 تنتهي صلاحيته

🇨🇿 vypršet

🇸🇰 vypršať

🇨🇳 到期

🇸🇮 potekati

🇮🇸 renna út

🇰🇿 мерзімі біту

🇬🇪 ვადა გასდის

🇦🇿 müddəti bitmək

🇲🇽 expirar

Etymology

The word 'expire' originates from the Latin word 'exspirare', which means 'to breathe out' or 'to die'. Over time, the meaning evolved to represent the ending or termination of something, such as a document, subscription, or contract. The concept of expiration is commonly associated with the passing of time and the cessation of validity or effectiveness.

See also: expiration, expiry.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,863 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.