Terminate

Quick meaning: Terminate is a verb meaning (transitive) To end something, especially when left in an incomplete state.

Meaning

(transitive) To end something, especially when left in an incomplete state.

More Meanings

1. (transitive) To conclude.
2. (transitive) To set or be a limit or boundary to.
3. (transitive) To form an appropriate end on (a wire, cable, hose, pipe, etc), such as by applying a cable terminal or a hose ferrule.
4. (transitive) To end the employment contract of an employee; to fire, lay off.
5. (transitive, euphemistic) To kill someone or something.
6. (intransitive) To end, conclude, or cease; to come to an end.
7. (intransitive) Of a mode of transport, to end its journey; or, of a railway line, to reach its terminus.

Example Sentences

to terminate a surface by a line

to terminate an effort, or a controversy

This train terminates at the next station.

to terminate a process before its completion

Word Forms

• terminates
• terminating
• terminated

Synonyms for terminate

Depending on context, synonyms include discontinue, stop, break off, axe, fire, sack.

Antonyms for terminate

Common opposites include continue, engage, employ, commence, start, get.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include dismiss, cease, stop, end, finish, can.

Commonly Confused & Compared Words

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