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Terminator: meaning, definitions and examples

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terminator

 

[ˈtɜːrmɪˌneɪtər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

film character

A terminator is a fictional robotic assassin that appears in the Terminator movie series. Terminators are typically portrayed as humanoid robots with a metal endoskeleton and a covering of living tissue. They are known for their relentless pursuit of their targets and their ability to blend in with humans.

Synonyms

cyborg, robotic assassin.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
terminator

This is a duplicate entry and should have the same context and examples as the first 'terminator' entry.

  • The Terminator quickly became an iconic figure in science fiction.
robotic assassin

Best used when describing a robot specifically designed to kill or perform assassination tasks. Has a clear and straightforward connotation towards robotic precision in eliminating targets.

  • The government's secret project involved creating a robotic assassin.
cyborg

Used when referring to an organism that is part human and part machine. Often describes beings in sci-fi that have robotic enhancements.

  • The cyborg had a human brain but mechanical limbs.

Examples of usage

  • The terminator was sent back in time to assassinate the protagonist.
  • Sarah Connor narrowly escaped the terminator's relentless pursuit.
Context #2 | Noun

technology

In technology, a terminator is a device that absorbs or reflects a signal to prevent it from being reflected back along the transmission line. Terminators are commonly used in computer networks to eliminate signal reflections and ensure signal integrity.

Synonyms

absorber, reflector.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
terminator

Same as above, used to denote an endpoint or something that ends a process. Emphasizes finality or the role of stopping something.

  • In the movie, the terminator was programmed to find and eliminate the target.
  • The firewall acts as a terminator for unauthorized network connections.
absorber

Often used in scientific, engineering, and environmental contexts to refer to a material or object that takes in energy, light, or other substances.

  • This material is an excellent noise absorber.
  • Carbon dioxide is known to be a greenhouse gas and an absorber of infrared radiation.
reflector

Commonly used in optical, automotive, and scientific contexts to describe a material or device that reflects light, sound, or other forms of energy.

  • The bicycle has reflectors to increase visibility at night.
  • A large reflector was placed behind the stage to enhance the lighting.

Examples of usage

  • The Ethernet cable was equipped with terminators at both ends.
  • The terminator helped improve the signal quality in the network.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'terminare', which means 'to limit or end'.
  • In its original use, a 'terminator' can refer to anything that ends something, not just robots.
  • The usage of the word has evolved over time, mostly gaining significance in science fiction.

Pop Culture

  • The character was popularized by the film series starting with 'The Terminator' in 1984, introducing audiences to a dystopian future.
  • Arnold Schwarzenegger’s portrayal of the character made him a cultural icon, often quoted and referenced in various media.
  • The franchise has expanded to include sequels, TV shows, comics, and video games, exploring themes of humanity and technology.

Science and Technology

  • In astronomy, the term 'terminator' refers to the dividing line between the illuminated and dark parts of a celestial body such as the Moon.
  • In genetics, there are 'terminators' in DNA sequences that signal the end of gene transcription.
  • Artificial intelligence discussions often include 'terminators' as a metaphor for the fears around uncontrolled AI development.

Psychology

  • The concept of a 'terminator' can evoke feelings of fear and uncertainty about the future, especially regarding technology's role in society.
  • The series raises philosophical questions about free will and predestination, exploring how actions today affect future outcomes.
  • The anxiety surrounding technology is sometimes referred to as 'technophobia', which can be heightened by portrayals like those in the Terminator films.

Literature

  • The original screenplay for 'The Terminator' was heavily influenced by the themes of time travel found in classic science fiction literature.
  • The character represents a blend of man versus machine, a common theme explored in many literary works regarding technology's impact on humanity.
  • The narrative often engages with ideas of dystopian futures, a prevalent genre among both literature and film.

Translations

Translations of the word "terminator" in other languages:

🇵🇹 exterminador

🇮🇳 समाप्त करने वाला

🇩🇪 Terminator

🇮🇩 terminator

🇺🇦 термінатор

🇵🇱 terminator

🇯🇵 ターミネーター

🇫🇷 terminateur

🇪🇸 terminador

🇹🇷 terminatör

🇰🇷 터미네이터

🇸🇦 المدمر

🇨🇿 terminátor

🇸🇰 terminátor

🇨🇳 终结者

🇸🇮 terminator

🇮🇸 terminator

🇰🇿 терминатор

🇬🇪 ტერმინატორი

🇦🇿 terminator

🇲🇽 terminador

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,924, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.