Terminated: meaning, definitions and examples

Often used in formal or official documents. Implies the end of employment in a neutral or legal context.

• His contract was terminated due to company restructuring.
• The employee was terminated following an internal investigation.

Commonly used in everyday conversation with a strong negative connotation, usually indicating that the employee is at fault.

• He was fired for violating company policy.
• She got fired because she was caught stealing.

Typically used in formal situations, often when there is an implication of fault or wrongdoing on the part of the employee.

• She was dismissed for consistently being late to work.
• The manager dismissed him after multiple complaints from clients.

Informal and sometimes used in British English. Often carries a negative or casual connotation.

• He got sacked after the company found out about his side gig.
• She was sacked for not meeting her sales targets.

Used in formal or legal settings, especially in employment or contracts, implying a complete and often abrupt ending.

• He was terminated from his job due to misconduct
• The contract was terminated after multiple breaches

General term used to describe the conclusion of something, can be used in various contexts.

• The movie had a surprising end
• Our friendship came to an end last year

Implies stopping something suddenly, often temporarily, and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

• The production line was halted due to safety concerns
• The police officer signaled to halt the car

Common term for ceasing movement or action in many everyday situations, implying a more immediate cessation than 'end'.

• Please stop talking during the movie
• I had to stop working to answer the phone