Snuffing: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ•ฏ๏ธ
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snuffing

 

[ snสŒfษชล‹ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

extinguishing smoke

Snuffing refers to the action of extinguishing something, typically a candle or flame. The term can also describe the act of suppressing or putting an end to something, such as a fire or a small light source. The usage of 'snuffing' in this context emphasizes a forceful or decisive action taken to eliminate the presence of smoke or light. Additionally, 'snuffing' can imply a quick and efficient method of extinguishing that prevents the re-ignition.

Synonyms

extinguishing, putting out, quenching

Examples of usage

  • She was snuffing out the candles before leaving the room.
  • The firefighter was snuffing the flames with a blanket.
  • He quickly snuffed the cigarette in the ashtray.
Context #2 | Verb

scent detection

In another context, snuffing can refer to the action of sniffing or inhaling a substance, often in a quick or hasty manner. This is commonly associated with terms involving the detection of scents or odors. In this usage, the term might also relate to the act of consuming powdered tobacco by inhaling it through the nose. Snuffing can represent a cultural practice in certain communities.

Synonyms

inhaling, sniffing

Examples of usage

  • She was snuffing the air to catch a whiff of the flowers.
  • He is accustomed to snuffing powdered tobacco.
  • The dog was snuffing around to find the treat.

Translations

Translations of the word "snuffing" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น extinรงรฃo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเค‚เคฆ เค•เคฐเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช auslรถschen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ memadamkan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะณะฐัั–ะฝะฝั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ zgaszenie

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆถˆใ™ใ“ใจ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท extinction

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ apagado

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท sรถndรผrme

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์†Œ๋ฉธ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฅุทูุงุก

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ uhaลกenรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ uhasenie

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็†„็ญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ ugasitev

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ slรถkkun

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัำฉะฝะดั–ั€ัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ’แƒแƒ›แƒแƒ แƒ—แƒ•แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ sรถndรผrmษ™

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ apagado

Etymology

The word 'snuff' originates from the Middle English term 'snu(e)f', which means 'to extinguish a candle' or 'to snuff out.' This term can be traced back to Old English 'sneofan', meaning 'to snuff or to blow out.' The usage of 'snuff' evolved over centuries to encompass various meanings, including the act of inhaling powdered tobacco. The transition from its original meaning of extinguishing light to including the inhalation of substances illustrates the word's adaptation within different contexts, reflecting both physical actions and sensory experiences. The 17th century saw a rise in popularity for snuff as a form of tobacco consumption among European aristocracy, further embedding the term in cultural practices. Despite its varied meanings, the common theme across definitions involves the act of bringing something to an end or drawing in by smell.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,645 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.