# extinguishing

/ɪkˈstɪŋɡwɪʃɪŋ/ (US) · /ɛkstˈɪŋɡwɪʃɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/extinguishing
Updated: 2026-10-19

## Definition

putting out a fire, light, or flame so it stops burning.

For teachers: suppression of fire or light through removal of heat, oxygen, or fuel.

## Examples

- They are extinguishing the campfire with water.
- Firefighters are extinguishing the kitchen fire while the family waits outside the building.
- After hours of extinguishing hot spots in the dry forest, the crew finally contained the wildfire that had threatened nearby farms.

## Synonyms

quench, douse, smother, snuff

## Antonyms

ignite, Light

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.