Extinguishment Meaning: Definition and Examples
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extinguishment
[ɪkˈstɪŋɡwɪʃmənt ]
Definitions
fire
The act or process of extinguishing a fire or flame.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| extinguishment |
This word appears again but its usage and meaning are identical to the first entry.
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| quenching |
Commonly used in physical contexts to describe the act of satisfying thirst or putting out a fire, it can also be used metaphorically to end intense feelings or desires.
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| extinction |
Primarily used in environmental and biological contexts to describe the permanent end of a species, but it can also refer to the ending of a behavior, feeling, or tradition.
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Examples of usage
- Firefighters quickly responded to the scene and began the extinguishment of the building.
- The extinguishment of the forest fire took several days.
legal
The act of putting an end to something or bringing it to an end.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| extinguishment |
Use this word when referring to the process of completely putting an end to something, especially a fire or a legal right.
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| termination |
This word is commonly used in formal or technical contexts, such as the ending of a contract, employment, or pregnancy. It often has a neutral to negative tone.
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| cessation |
This word is suitable for moments when there is an end to an action, process, or state, particularly when it stops suddenly or temporarily.
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Examples of usage
- The extinguishment of the contract was finalized after both parties agreed.
- His actions led to the extinguishment of any hope for a peaceful resolution.
Interesting Facts
Legal Context
- In law, extinguishment often refers to the termination of rights or obligations, like when a debt is paid off.
- The principle of extinguishment is significant in property law, where rights to land can be extinguished through adverse possession or agreement.
- Some resources or easements can be extinguished if they're no longer in use or necessary.
Environmental Science
- Extinguishment is used in environmental discussions when talking about extinguishing the risk or impact of pollution.
- The concept is also applied when discussing the extinction of species, highlighting loss in biodiversity.
- Firefighters use various techniques for the extinguishment of wildfires, emphasizing the urgency and methods of stopping spread.
Pop Culture
- Movies often depict extinguishment in dramatic fire scenes, showing the tension and urgency of putting out flames.
- In video games, players might encounter mechanics that involve extinguishing fires or stopping threats to progress.
- The concept plays a part in storytelling, symbolizing the end of conflict or danger, like peace after war.
Psychology
- In psychology, extinguishment relates to behavior modification where a conditioned response gradually diminishes.
- It's a process in learning where reinforcement for a behavior stops, leading to less occurrence of that behavior over time.
- Understanding extinguishment can aid in therapeutic settings, helping individuals unlearn harmful habits.
Origin of 'extinguishment'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'extinguishment' comes from the Late Latin word 'extinguere', meaning to put out or quench.
- In English, the suffix '-ment' indicates an action or result, thus 'extinguishment' refers to the action of extinguishing something.
- The word has evolved through Middle English, reflecting changes in usage and meaning over centuries.
The word 'extinguishment' originated from the Latin word 'extinguere', which means 'to quench or put out'. The term has been used in English since the 16th century, primarily in the context of fire and legal matters. Over time, 'extinguishment' has become a common term in various fields, reflecting the act of putting an end to something or extinguishing a fire.
See also: extinguish.