Snuff out

verb

To end or stop something suddenly.

The government attempted to snuff out dissent by arresting critics
Visual representation of "snuff out" - To end or stop something suddenly

Often appears as...

  • snuff out opposition
  • snuff out flame
verb

To kill someone.

The dangerous criminal snuffed out his victims without remorse
Visual representation of "snuff out" - To kill someone

Often appears as...

  • snuff out life
  • snuff someone out

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Colloquial

verb

To extinguish a candle.

He snuffed out the candle and went to bed
Visual representation of "snuff out" - To extinguish a candle

Often appears as...

  • snuff out candle
  • snuff out light
verb

To end or stop something suddenly.

The government attempted to snuff out dissent by arresting critics
Visual representation of "snuff out" - To end or stop something suddenly

Often appears as...

  • snuff out opposition
  • snuff out flame
verb

To kill someone.

The dangerous criminal snuffed out his victims without remorse
Visual representation of "snuff out" - To kill someone

Often appears as...

  • snuff out life
  • snuff someone out

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Colloquial

verb

To extinguish a candle.

He snuffed out the candle and went to bed
Visual representation of "snuff out" - To extinguish a candle

Often appears as...

  • snuff out candle
  • snuff out light
Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "snuff out"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Sudden Termination

Used when something is abruptly ended or halted, often with force or by authority.

Illustration for Sudden Termination
The new policy will snuff out any hope for an extended vacation.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Metaphorical Use

Often used figuratively to describe the end of abstract concepts like ideas or movements.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
The invention of cars slowly snuffed out the horse-drawn carriage industry.
LampPro Tip 3/3

With Authority

Can imply that the person or group ending something has the power or control over it.

Illustration for With Authority
The director snuffed out the rumors about the company's bankruptcy.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Sudden Termination

Used when something is abruptly ended or halted, often with force or by authority.

Illustration for Sudden Termination
The new policy will snuff out any hope for an extended vacation.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Metaphorical Use

Often used figuratively to describe the end of abstract concepts like ideas or movements.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
The invention of cars slowly snuffed out the horse-drawn carriage industry.
LampPro Tip 3/3

With Authority

Can imply that the person or group ending something has the power or control over it.

Illustration for With Authority
The director snuffed out the rumors about the company's bankruptcy.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Sudden Termination

Used when something is abruptly ended or halted, often with force or by authority.

Illustration for Sudden Termination
The new policy will snuff out any hope for an extended vacation.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Metaphorical Use

Often used figuratively to describe the end of abstract concepts like ideas or movements.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
The invention of cars slowly snuffed out the horse-drawn carriage industry.
LampPro Tip 3/3

With Authority

Can imply that the person or group ending something has the power or control over it.

Illustration for With Authority
The director snuffed out the rumors about the company's bankruptcy.
Visual representation of the word "Snuff out"

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