ter·mi·nate
ˈtər-mə-ˌnāt 
terminated; terminating
1
: to form an ending
2
: to come to an end in time
3
: to extend only to a limit (such as a point or line)
especially
: to reach a terminus
1
a
: to bring to an end : close
terminate a marriage by divorce
terminate a transmission line
b
: to discontinue the employment of
workers terminated because of slow business
c
: to form the conclusion of
review questions terminate each chapter
2
: to serve as an ending, limit, or boundary of
3
: assassinate, kill
ter·mi·nate
ˈtər-mə-nət
: coming to an end or capable of ending
Synonyms
Examples of terminate in a Sentence
Verb
The branches of that tree terminate in flower clusters.
The rail line terminates in Boston.
You have to terminate the program before the computer will shut down properly.
His contract was terminated last month.
He was terminated last month.
Plans are being made to terminate unproductive employees.
Recent Examples on the Web
Joe Mathews, The Mercury News, 13 Dec. 2024
He was allowed to resign, rather than be terminated.
—Hilary Whiteman, CNN, 12 Dec. 2024
From Usa Today Network and Wire Reports, USA TODAY, 9 Aug. 2021
That control gave Puglisi the sole authority to set up new credit card accounts, change spending limits, manage card access and terminate accounts.
—Washington Post, 17 Aug. 2021
See all Example Sentences for terminate 
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show current usage.
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Verb
Trump has threatened revenge against our state, and pledged to be a dictator and terminate the Constitution.
—Joe Mathews, The Mercury News, 13 Dec. 2024
He was allowed to resign, rather than be terminated.
—Hilary Whiteman, CNN, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
ChristianaCare, the state’s largest health care system and largest private employer, has stated that all employees must receive the first dose of the vaccine by Sept. 21, or the health system with terminate workers who don’t unless given an exemption.
—From Usa Today Network and Wire Reports, USA TODAY, 9 Aug. 2021
That control gave Puglisi the sole authority to set up new credit card accounts, change spending limits, manage card access and terminate accounts.
—Washington Post, 17 Aug. 2021
See all Example Sentences for terminate
Dictionary Entries Near terminate
Cite this Entry
“Terminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terminate. Accessed 28 Dec. 2024.
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terminate
verb
ter·mi·nate
ˈtər-mə-ˌnāt
terminated; terminating
: to come to an end in time or effect
1
2
: to discontinue the employment of
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