v. ter·mi·nat·ed, ter·mi·nat·ing, ter·mi·nates v.tr. 1. To bring to an end or halt: "His action terminated the most hopeful period of reform in Prussian history" (Gordon A. Craig). 2. To occur at or form the end of; conclude or finish: a display of fireworks that terminated the festivities. See Synonyms at complete. 3. To discontinue the employment of; dismiss: a company that terminated 300 workers. 4. To murder or assassinate (someone). v.intr. 1. To come to an end; reach a stopping point: The oil pipeline terminates at a shipping port. The negotiations terminated with a celebration. 2. To form an end or produce a result. Often used with in: "The Peloponnesian war ... terminated in the ruin of the Athenian commonwealth" (Alexander Hamilton). [Latin termināre, termināt-, from terminus, end.] |
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