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Snuffed: meaning, definitions and examples

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snuffed

 

[ snʌft ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

extinguish fire

To snuff out means to extinguish a flame or a light, typically by covering it or compressing it in some way. This term is often used in the context of candles but can also refer to any kind of fire. Snuffing can also imply stopping something abruptly or bringing an end to it. The action is quick and decisive, often leaving no residual light or heat. This term can also refer to the act of finally resolving or cutting off an ongoing situation.

Synonyms

douse, extinguish, quench, suffocate.

Examples of usage

  • She snuffed out the candle before leaving the room.
  • He snuffed the fire with a wet cloth.
  • The storm snuffed the light from the house.
  • They snuffed the argument before it escalated.
Context #2 | Verb

inhaled substance

In a different context, 'snuffed' can also refer to the act of inhaling or consuming substances such as tobacco or sometimes drugs. This usage implies a more informal and often illicit connotation. The term is frequently associated with practices involving powdered substances. It carries a sense of rapidity, where the act is swift and often solitary.

Synonyms

breathe in, inhale, snort.

Examples of usage

  • He snuffed the powder quickly in the bathroom.
  • The addict had snuffed various substances over the years.
  • She was caught snuffing tobacco in the back alley.
  • He snuffed the substance without a second thought.

Translations

Translations of the word "snuffed" in other languages:

🇵🇹 apagado

🇮🇳 बंद किया हुआ

🇩🇪 ausgemacht

🇮🇩 dipadamkan

🇺🇦 задушений

🇵🇱 zgładzony

🇯🇵 消えた

🇫🇷 étouffé

🇪🇸 apagado

🇹🇷 söndürüldü

🇰🇷 꺼진

🇸🇦 مُطفَأ

🇨🇿 uhašený

🇸🇰 uhasení

🇨🇳 熄灭的

🇸🇮 ugasnjen

🇮🇸 slökkt

🇰🇿 сөндірілген

🇬🇪 გამორთული

🇦🇿 söndürülmüş

🇲🇽 apagado

Etymology

The word 'snuff' originates from the Middle English 'snuffen', which means to extinguish. This is derived from the Old Norse 'snufa', meaning to snort or inhale. The use of 'snuff' in the context of extinguishing a flame dates back several centuries, with its evolution influenced by various Germanic languages. Initially used exclusively for fires, it gradually developed broader usages, reflecting cultural practices involving substances consumed through inhalation. 'Snuffed' became commonplace in English literature and colloquialisms, painting vivid imagery of sudden termination, whether of flames or conditions. Over time, it also gained associations with informal drug culture, expanding its meanings even further. Today, 'snuffed' bears dual significance, demonstrating language's capacity for evolution and adaptation influenced by societal changes.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,539, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.