Spanish Conversation · Level 105
60 words
Spanish word
extinguir
Pronunciation
IPA/ekstiŋˈgiɾ/
Meaning
- verbput out
Example
Los bomberos extinguieron el incendio rápidamente.
The firefighters put out the fire quickly.
More examples
Antes de acostarse, Pablo siempre extingue la vela.
Before going to bed, Pablo always puts out the candle.
Core concept
A campfire covered with sand and doused with water until only embers and smoke remain.
Common phrases
extinguir un fuego
put out a fire
extinguir las brasas
put out embers
extinguir una vela
put out a candle
Similar words
apagar: Stop a light or flame from burning, often by switching off or blowing it out.
sofocar: Smother a fire by cutting off its air so the flame cannot spread.
Definition in Spanish
Apagar o sofocar un fuego, especialmente un incendio; también puede usarse en sentido figurado para eliminar algo por completo.
Word origin
From Latin exstinguĕre, from ex- 'out' plus stinguere 'quench', with extinctus evolving into Spanish extinguir.
Usage tips
- When used intransitively, it commonly appears as extinguirse meaning 'to die out', for example species or traditions disappearing.