extinguisher

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a portable device containing a substance used to put out a small fire

   The extinguisher hangs beside the laboratory door.

2. 2
   noun

   literary: a person or thing that suppresses, destroys, or brings something to an end

   Her contempt acted as an extinguisher on his remaining affection.

Formed from extinguish + the agent or instrument suffix -er: literally, something that extinguishes. Extinguish ultimately comes from Latin exstinguere, 'put out or quench.' The general agent noun narrowed in everyday use to the firefighting device but remains available in literary metaphors.

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