Meaning

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

Definitions by Sense

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

Example Sentences

to terminate a process before its completion

to terminate an effort, or a controversy

During this interval of calm and prosperity, he terminated two figures of slaves, destined for the tomb, in an incomparable style of art.

to terminate a surface by a line

We'll rough them all in before we start terminating any of them.

The enemy must be terminated by any means possible.

She unlocked the casket which contained her mother's picture, and gazed even more earnestly than usual on that beautiful face; its frank, glad smile was too painful; it seemed an omen of all that could make a joyous and beloved existence; and yet how had her's terminated!

This train terminates at the next station.

Word Forms

• terminates
• terminating
• terminated
• more terminate
• most terminate

Synonyms for terminate

Antonyms for terminate

Related Words

When Should You Use Terminate?

Use terminate when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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