Terminate

Definition

Terminate primarily refers to bringing something to an end or to a halt. It's a verb often used in legal, professional, or technical contexts to signify the conclusion or cessation of a certain condition, action, or process.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtɜrmɪˌneɪt/
• Respelling: TUR-mih-nayt (with "TUR" as in "turn," "mih" as in "mit," and "nayt" as in "gate")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtɜːmɪneɪt/
• Respelling: TUR-mih-nayt (similar to American English, with "TUR" as in "turn," "mih" as in "mit," and "nayt" like in "gate")

In both dialects, "terminate" is pronounced with the primary stress on the first syllable, "TUR." The pronunciation is consistent across both American and British English, with slight variations in the vowel sounds due to differences in accent.

Etymology

The word "terminate" derives from the Latin word "terminare," from "terminus" which means end or boundary.

Derivatives

• Termination (noun)
• Terminator (noun)
• Terminable (adjective)
• Terminably (adverb)
• Terminative (adjective)

Synonyms

• Conclude
• Cease
• Halt

Antonyms

• Commence
• Initiate
• Begin

Usage

The verb "terminate" is widely used in legal and professional settings. It may be used to indicate the end of contracts, employment, agreements, or any ongoing processes.

Related Terms

• Termination clause
• Termination agreement
• Employment termination

Detailed Definition

Verb

• End: To bring to an end or halt.
• Example: They decided to terminate the contract early due to unforeseen circumstances.

• Discontinue: To discontinue or end a set of conditions or actions.
• Example: The company had to terminate several employees due to budget cuts.

• Finish: To finish or conclude a process or action.
• Example: Once the project terminates, the team will evaluate its overall success.