Kiboshed - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

slang expression

To kibosh something means to put a stop to it, to thwart or ruin a plan or idea. This term is often used informally in conversation to describe the act of preventing something from happening, often in an abrupt manner. It indicates a decisive action that cancels or obstructs an undertaking. The term is commonly employed in workplace discussions, or among friends, conveying a sense of authority in stopping an action.

Synonyms

abort, cancel, halt, squelch.

Examples of usage

The manager kiboshed the proposed project.
They kiboshed the event due to bad weather.
She kiboshed his plans for a vacation.
The committee kiboshed the changes to the policy.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

The term gained popularity in the 1920s and has been frequently used in films and music to signify halting plans.
Notable usage appears in the title of the song 'Kibosh' by renowned artists, symbolizing a strong dismissal.
In various television shows, characters often use 'kibosh' humorously to describe their attempts to stop a wild situation.

Literature

Authors like Mark Twain and Ernest Hemingway have used the term creatively to illustrate characters taking decisive action.
The use of 'kibosh' often adds a touch of humor or irony in literary works, indicating a sudden change in direction of events.
In modern literature, it often reflects the struggle between a character's desires and the abrupt interruptions they face.

Slang/Colloquial Use

In informal contexts, saying someone 'kiboshed' an idea suggests it was unceremoniously rejected or dismissed.
It’s common in conversations to use 'kibosh' to describe family members putting an end to a plan, showing its relatability.
In many workplaces, you might hear someone say management has 'kiboshed' a proposal to illustrate quick decision-making.

Psychology

The act of kiboshing an idea can be seen as a psychological defense mechanism, where individuals reject thoughts to maintain comfort.
Research indicates that abrupt endings to plans can lead to feelings of disappointment, a natural response to kiboshing aspirations.
Understanding why we kibosh ideas may reveal deeper fears about change and risk-taking.

Origin of 'kiboshed'

Main points about word origin

The word 'kibosh' might come from the Yiddish 'kibahs', which means to put a stop to something.
Others believe it originated from the Turkish term 'kebosh', meaning to limit or control.
The first use in English appeared around the early 19th century, showing it has been part of the language for quite some time.

The term 'kibosh' is believed to have originated in the early 19th century, though its exact origins are uncertain. Some etymologists suggest that it may come from the Yiddish word 'kibosh', which means simply 'to put an end to' or 'to kill'. Others speculate that it could derive from the Irish word 'caipín', referring to a cap or cover, symbolically suggesting placing a lid on something to stop it. The usage of 'kibosh' in English had spread in the 1800s, notably within British slang, where it captured the informal sense of stopping or curtailing activities. Over the years, the term has been adopted into general vernacular, becoming popular especially in America, where it conveys a breezy dismissal of plans or ideas.

Kiboshed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations