finish

¹fin·ish

verb \ˈfi-nish\

Definition of FINISH

intransitive verb

1

a : to come to an end : terminate b : end 1b

2

a : to come to the end of a course, task, or undertaking b : to end relations —used with with <decided to finish with him for good>

3

: to end a competition in a specified manner or position <finished third in the race>

transitive verb

1

a : to bring to an end : terminate <finished the speech and sat down> b : to use or dispose of entirely <her sandwich finished the loaf>

2

a : to bring to completion or issue <hope to finish their new home before winter> b : to provide with a finish; especially : to put a final coat or surface on <finish a table with varnish>

3

a : to defeat or ruin utterly and finally <the scandal finished his career> b : to bring about the death of

— fin·ish·er noun

Examples of FINISH

1. You can't watch TV until you finish your homework.
2. He started his homework two hours ago and he still hasn't finished.
3. They hope to finish their new home by winter.
4. They're building a new home and they hope to finish by winter.
5. The chairman finished the meeting at noon.
6. The meeting finished on a positive note.

Origin of FINISH

Middle English finisshen, from Anglo-French finiss-, stem of finir, from Latin finire, from finis

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to FINISH

Synonyms: complete, consummate, finalize, perfect, polish, get through

Antonyms: begin, commence, inaugurate, open, start

Related Words: follow through (with), stick out; accomplish, achieve, effect; carry out, carry through, discharge, do, execute, fulfill (or fulfil), perform; ameliorate, amend, better, enhance, enrich, improve, meliorate; machine, refine, round (off or out), shine, touch up

Near Antonyms: abandon, desert, discontinue, drop, forsake, quit

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Rhymes with FINISH

Finnish, thinnish