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tr.v. ex·tin·guished, ex·tin·guish·ing, ex·tin·guish·es 1. To cause (a fire or light) to stop burning or shining; put out. 2. To put an end to or make extinct; destroy: "Her death extinguished the dream of family that was closest to his heart" (Karen Lystra). See Synonyms at annihilate. 3. Psychology To bring about the extinction of (a conditioned response). [Latin exstinguere : ex-, intensive pref.; see EX- + stinguere, to quench; see steig- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] ex·tinguish·a·ble adj. ex·tinguish·ment n. |
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