TERMINATE


Meaning of TERMINATE in English

I. ˈtərməˌnāt, ˈtə̄m-, ˈtəim-, usu -ād.+V verb

( -ed/-ing/-s )

Etymology: Latin terminatus, past participle of terminare to set bounds, limit, from terminus boundary, limit, end — more at term

transitive verb

1.

a. : to bring to an ending or cessation in time, sequence, or continuity : close

terminate a conference

benediction terminated the service

b. : to form the ending or conclusion of

his acceptance terminated the interview

c. : to end formally and definitely (as a pact, agreement, contract)

his employment with the company was terminated

the age at which the youth of each nation terminates full-time education — J.B.Conant

d. : to bring or deliver (a passenger, a freight shipment) to destination

e. : to discontinue the employment of : discharge

2. : to set a limit to in space : serve as an ending, boundary, limit, dividing line

the gallery was terminated by folding doors — Jane Austen

3.

a. archaic : to perfect with finishing touches

b. archaic : to express or describe in terms

censuring or rather terminating my own soul — R.W.Emerson

c. obsolete : to direct or destine to something as object or end

intransitive verb

1.

a. : to come to an end in space or extent : extend only to a point, line, surface, or other limit

b. : to find or reach a terminus

a railroad line terminating at a seaport

2.

a. : to come to an end in time : cease to be

the coalition … terminated with the danger from which it had sprung — T.B.Macaulay

b. : to become nil or void after reaching a term or limit : expire

Italian sovereignty over Trieste terminated upon the coming into force of the Treaty of Peace — American Journal of Internat. Law

3.

a. : to form an ending or final part

words that properly terminate in an obscure vowel — C.H.Grandgent

chair legs terminating in ball-and-claw feet

the two imposing towers at the facade terminate in pale blue tile domes — American Guide Series: Michigan

his thoughts always terminated in regret

b. : to have an indicated outcome or result

the fight terminated with the champion winning

Synonyms: see close

II. -_nə̇t, usu -ə̇d.+V adjective

Etymology: Latin terminatus, past participle of terminare

1. : coming to an end or capable of ending : limited , limitable

2. : expressed or expressible in a finite number of figures

terminate decimal

terminate number

3. : indicating an action as a whole

terminate aspect of a verb

III. transitive verb

: assassinate : kill

sent to terminate the spy

Webster's New International English Dictionary.      Новый международный словарь английского языка Webster.