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Extinguished Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ”ฅ
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extinguished

[ษชkหˆstษชล‹ษกwษชสƒt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

put out

To extinguish means to put out a fire or a light. It can also refer to the act of ending something, such as a feeling or an idea. The term is commonly used in safety and emergency contexts where ensuring that flames or heat sources are properly dealt with is critical.

Synonyms

douse, put out, quench, snuff out.

Examples of usage

  • The firefighters extinguished the blaze.
  • She extinguished her cigarette in the ashtray.
  • The storm extinguished the last flicker of sunlight.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Fire needs three things to exist: heat, fuel, and oxygen; removing any one of them can extinguish a fire.
  • Water is often used to extinguish fires because it cools the fire and takes away heat, one of the fire's needs.
  • Carbon dioxide, released by certain fire extinguishers, displaces oxygen around the fire, depriving it of what it needs to stay burning.

Literature

  • In literature, the word often symbolizes the end of something, like hope being extinguished in a character's journey.
  • Shakespeare used the term in some of his works to convey loss, showing how the act of extinguishing connects with deeper emotional themes.
  • Famous poems about fire and passion often use the idea of 'extinguishing' to describe love's fleeting nature.

Pop Culture

  • In numerous movies, an 'extinguished' flame can symbolize the end of a chapter or a relationship, serving as a powerful visual.
  • The phrase 'the light has been extinguished' often appears in music lyrics as a metaphor for loss or despair.
  • Many video games feature mechanics where players must extinguish fires to progress, emphasizing the interactive element of this concept.

Origin of 'extinguished'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'extinguish' comes from the Latin 'extinguere', where 'ex-' means 'out' and 'tungere' means 'to quench'.
  • It has been used in the English language since the 14th century, originally linked to putting out a fire.
  • Ancient Romans would use the term associated with extinguishing lamps and torches, illustrating early fire control.

The word 'extinguish' originated in the late Middle English period, deriving from the Old French 'extinquier,' which is rooted in the Latin 'extinguere.' The Latin term is made up of 'ex-' (meaning 'out') and 'tinguere' (to 'tinge' or 'dye'). Therefore, the original sense of extinguish was 'to put out' or 'to dim.' Over time, the usage evolved to encompass not only the literal act of putting out a flame or light but also the metaphorical extinguishing of emotions or ideas. The evolution of the term reflects both practical applications in fire safety as well as broader philosophical uses in literature and common speech, emphasizing its dual nature in both the physical and abstract realms.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,968 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.