snuff out
verb1
To extinguish (literally, especially by physically covering or rubbing); to extinguish (figuratively): to stop (a process), to kill (a process).
- Near-synonym: smother
- The risk of fire was an ever-present danger, and every night at bedtime they performed the ritual of checking that every candle and lantern had been snuffed out.
4 more examples
- He sighed, snuffed out his cigarette, and got back to work.
- He sighed, snuffed out his wish to walk right out the door, and got back to work.
- Elmander's lovely flick nearly set Taylor free inside the box but, this time, Boswinga reacted well to snuff out any real danger.2010 December 29, Chris Whyatt, “Chelsea 1 - 0 Bolton”, in BBC:
- 2017 August 25, Aukkarapon Niyomyat & Panarat Thepgumpanat, "Thai junta seeks Yingluck's arrest as former PM skips court verdict", in reuters.com, Reuters The verdict against Yingluck is widely seen as having the potential to reignite tensions, though the junta has largely snuffed out open opposition.
2
Slang To kill a living being.
- He sighed, stifled his urge to snuff out the moron who designed this work process, and got back to work.
3
Slang To die.
- People snuff out at all ages: accident apart, our vital clocks vary […]
- Related terms
- candle snuffer, snuffee, snuffer, snuff film, put out a fire