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