Terminating: meaning, definitions and examples

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terminating

 

[ˈtɜːrmɪˌneɪtɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in computing

Causing a program or process to end or stop running.

Synonyms

concluding, ending, stopping.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
terminating

Used in formal or technical contexts, often when ending a contract, process, or service.

  • The company is terminating the contract due to non-compliance.
  • Termination of the program occurred at midnight.
ending

Used in general contexts when something is coming to its natural or intended final point.

  • The movie has a surprising ending.
  • The semester is ending next week.
concluding

Used when wrapping up events, discussions, or periods of time in a complete and often formal manner.

  • The meeting concluded with a summary of the main points.
  • After concluding her speech, she received a standing ovation.
stopping

Used in informal contexts when halting an action, activity, or motion, often temporarily.

  • I need to stop by the store on my way home.
  • Can you stop making that noise, please?

Examples of usage

  • The terminating error caused the program to crash.
  • The terminating function ended the loop.
Context #2 | Verb

in relationships

Ending a relationship, usually in a formal or official way.

Synonyms

break up, end, finish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
terminating

Use this term in formal or technical contexts, especially in business or legal scenarios.

  • The company is terminating the contract due to numerous breaches of terms
end

A general term suitable for most contexts where something is coming to a conclusion. It is versatile and can be used in personal, professional, or casual situations.

  • The movie will end in an hour
  • The school year ends in June
finish

Typically used to describe the completion of a task, activity, or process. It can apply to both tangible and intangible activities.

  • Please finish your homework before dinner
  • She finished reading the book in one night
break up

This term is commonly used in interpersonal relationships to describe the ending of a romantic relationship. It can also be used informally to describe the dissolution of groups or teams.

  • After dating for five years, they decided to break up

Examples of usage

  • She decided to terminate her contract with the company.
  • The couple mutually agreed to terminate their marriage.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'terminare', which means 'to limit or end'.
  • In the 14th century, it began to be used in English to describe the act of ending something.
  • It has also been associated with the word 'terminal', which refers to endings or final points.

Legal Context

  • In legal terms, 'terminating' often refers to ending a contract or agreement.
  • Termination notices are used to inform parties that an agreement will no longer be in effect.
  • Wrongful termination can lead to legal disputes between employers and employees.

Technology

  • In computing, 'terminating' refers to stopping a process or shutting down software.
  • Network protocols may use commands to terminate connections, ensuring data is safely closed.
  • The term also applies in programming to describe ending loops or functions.

Biology

  • In biology, terminating can refer to the end of a cell's life cycle, such as apoptosis, where cells self-destruct.
  • In species conservation, terminating certain practices can help protect endangered species.
  • Certain drugs can terminate infections or diseases by stopping their progress in the body.

Pop Culture

  • The movie 'Terminator' popularized the idea of machines that can terminate humans, merging action with technology themes.
  • Video games often have 'terminating' quests or missions where players must end villains or challenges.
  • In literature, stories about endings frequently deal with themes of closure and new beginnings.

Translations

Translations of the word "terminating" in other languages:

🇵🇹 terminar

🇮🇳 समाप्त करना

🇩🇪 beenden

🇮🇩 mengakhiri

🇺🇦 завершення

🇵🇱 kończenie

🇯🇵 終了する

🇫🇷 terminer

🇪🇸 terminar

🇹🇷 sonlandırmak

🇰🇷 종료하다

🇸🇦 إنهاء

🇨🇿 ukončení

🇸🇰 ukončenie

🇨🇳 终止

🇸🇮 zaključiti

🇮🇸 loka

🇰🇿 аяқтау

🇬🇪 დასრულება

🇦🇿 bitirmək

🇲🇽 terminar

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,975 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.