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Webster's Dictionary (1865)

2 entries under this word

Terminate

Tēr'mi-nāte, v. t.

verbtransitive

v. t. [imp. & p. p. TERMINATED; p. pr. & vb. n. TERMINATING.] [Lat. terminare, terminatum, It. terminare, Sp. & Pg. terminar, Pr. termenar, terminar, Fr. terminer. See TERM.]

Sense 1. To set a term or limit to; to set the extreme point or side of by bounds or limits; to bound; to limit; as, to terminate a surface by a line.

Sense 2. To put an end to; to end; as, to terminate a controversy.

Sense 3. Hence, to put the finishing touch to; to bring to completion.

During this interval of calm and prosperity, he [Michael Angelo] terminated two figures of slaves, destined for the tomb, in an incomparable style of art. J. S. Harford.

Tēr′mi-nāte, v. i.

verbintransitive

v. i. 1. To be limited in space by a point, line, or surface; to stop short; to end; to cease; as, a line terminates at the equator; the torrid zone terminates at the tropics.

Sense 2. To come to a limit in time; to end; to close.

The wisdom of this world, its designs and efficacy, terminate on this side heaven. South.