I. ˈfi-nish verb
Etymology: Middle English finisshen, from Anglo-French finiss-, stem of finir, from Latin finire, from finis
Date: 14th century
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to come to an end : terminate
b. : end 1b
2.
a. : to come to the end of a course, task, or undertaking
b. : to end relations — used with with
decided to finish with him for good
3. : to end a competition in a specified manner or position
finish ed third in the race
transitive verb
1.
a. : to bring to an end : terminate
finish ed the speech and sat down
b. : to use or dispose of entirely
her sandwich finish ed the loaf
2.
a. : to bring to completion or issue
hope to finish their new home before winter
b. : to provide with a finish ; especially : to put a final coat or surface on
finish a table with varnish
3.
a. : to defeat or ruin utterly and finally
the scandal finish ed his career
b. : to bring about the death of
Synonyms: see close
• fin·ish·er noun
II. noun
Date: 1779
1. : something that completes or perfects: as
a. : the fine or decorative work required for a building or one of its parts
b. : a finishing material used in painting
c. : the final treatment or coating of a surface
d. : the taste in the mouth after swallowing a beverage (as wine)
2.
a. : final stage : end
b. : the cause of one's ruin
3. : the result or product of a finishing process
a glossy finish
4. : the quality or state of being perfected