snuff out
The phrase "snuff out" originates from the practice of extinguishing candles by pinching the wick, but it has evolved to describe ending or eliminating something abruptly.
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Definition
B2General
(colloquial)To put an end to something abruptly or forcefully.
Example
- The government quickly snuffed out the rebellion.
A2Everyday
(common)To extinguish a flame or light.
Example
- She snuffed out the candle before leaving the room.
C1Crime
(slang)To kill or eliminate someone.
Example
- The hitman was hired to snuff out the witness.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "snuff out":
stub outstamp outstomp outblow outkill offput out a firepuff output paid tosputter outblot outsmoke outpinch outchoke output outdamp downnip in the budflame outdampen downfizzle outdie outnut outstink outchoke offsmack outwipe outsqueeze offsniff out