French word

éteindre

Pronunciation

IPA/etɛ̃dʁ/

Meaning

  • verbturn off

Example

Peux-tu éteindre la lumière ?

Can you turn off the light?

Illustration for éteindre (turn off)

More examples

On demande d'éteindre les appareils avant le décollage.

They ask that the devices be turned off before takeoff.

Core concept

A hand cuts off the power or fuel that keeps a light, fire, or device working.

Common phrases

  • éteindre son portable

    turn off one's cell phone

  • éteindre la télévision

    turn off the television

Similar words

arrêter: Stop a machine or device from operating or moving.
couper: Cut off the flow of electricity, gas, or another supply to stop operation.
débrancher: Cut off electrical power by removing a plug.
souffler: Put out a candle flame by blowing on it.

Definition in French

Faire cesser la lumière, la combustion ou le fonctionnement d'un appareil en interrompant son alimentation ; verbe transitif.

Word origin

French éteindre comes through Old French estindre from Latin exstinguere, formed with ex- meaning 'out' and stinguere meaning 'quench'.

Usage tips

  • Éteindre is transitive and takes the thing being stopped directly, as in éteindre la lumière, without a preposition.

Other meanings

  • put outverb

Opposites

Related words

  • éteintextinguishedadjective
  • éteignableable to be turned offadjective

Word lists with this word