First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1end
noun \ˈend\
: a point that marks the limit of something : the point at which something no longer continues to happen or exist
: the last part of a story, movie, song, etc.
: the part at the edge or limit of an area
Full Definition of END
1
a : the part of an area that lies at the boundary b (1) : a point that marks the extent of something (2) : the point where something ceases to exist <world without end> c : the extreme or last part lengthwise : tip d : the terminal unit of something spatial that is marked off by units e : a player stationed at the extremity of a line (as in football)
2
a : cessation of a course of action, pursuit, or activity b : death, destruction c (1) : the ultimate state (2) : result, issue
3
: something incomplete, fragmentary, or undersized : remnant
4
a : an outcome worked toward : purpose <the end of poetry is to be poetry — R. P. Warren> b : the object by virtue of or for the sake of which an event takes place
5
a : a share in an undertaking <kept your end up> b : a particular operation or aspect of an undertaking or organization <the sales end of the business>
6
: something that is extreme : ultimate —used with the
7
: a period of action or turn in any of various sports events (as archery or lawn bowling)
— end·ed \ˈen-dəd\ adjective
— in the end
: after all, ultimately <will surely succeed in the end>
— no end
: exceedingly <it pleases us no end>
— on end
: without a stop or letup <it rained for days on end>
See end defined for English-language learners
See end defined for kids
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Origin of END
Middle English ende, from Old English; akin to Old High German enti end, Latin ante before, Greek anti against
Related to END
- Synonyms
- arrest, arrestment, cease, cessation, check, close, closedown, closure, conclusion, cutoff, discontinuance, discontinuation, ending, expiration, finish, halt, lapse, offset, shutdown, shutoff, stay, stop, stoppage, surcease, termination
- Antonyms
- continuance, continuation
Synonym Discussion of END
intention, intent, purpose, design, aim, end, object, objective, goal mean what one intends to accomplish or attain. intention implies little more than what one has in mind to do or bring about <announced his intention to marry>. intent suggests clearer formulation or greater deliberateness <the clear intent of the statute>. purpose suggests a more settled determination <being successful was her purpose in life>. design implies a more carefully calculated plan <the order of events came by accident, not design>. aim adds to these implications of effort directed toward attaining or accomplishing <her aim was to raise film to an art form>. end stresses the intended effect of action often in distinction or contrast to the action or means as such <willing to use any means to achieve his end>. object may equal end but more often applies to a more individually determined wish or need <his constant object was the achievement of pleasure>. objective implies something tangible and immediately attainable <their objective is to seize the oil fields>. goal suggests something attained only by prolonged effort and hardship <worked years to reach her goals>.
2end
verb
Definition of END
transitive verb
1
a : to bring to an end b : destroy
2
: to make up the end of <a wedding scene ends the film>
intransitive verb
1
a : to come to an end <the meeting will end at noon> b : to reach a specified ultimate rank, situation, or place —usually used with up <ended up as a colonel>
2
: die
First Known Use of END
before 12th century
Synonym Discussion of END
close, end, conclude, finish, complete, terminate mean to bring or come to a stopping point or limit. close usually implies that something has been in some way open as well as unfinished <close a debate>. end conveys a strong sense of finality <ended his life>. conclude may imply a formal closing (as of a meeting) <the service concluded with a blessing>. finish may stress completion of a final step in a process <after it is painted, the house will be finished>. complete implies the removal of all deficiencies or a successful finishing of what has been undertaken <the resolving of this last issue completes the agreement>. terminate implies the setting of a limit in time or space <your employment terminates after three months>.
3end
adjective
4end
verb
Definition of END
transitive verb
dial English : to put (grain or hay) into a barn or stack
Origin of END
probably alteration of English dialect in to harvest
First Known Use: 1607
END[1] Defined for Kids
1end
noun \ˈend\
Definition of END for Kids
1
: the part near the boundary of an area <I live in the city's north end.>
2
: the point where something stops or ceases to exist <That's the end of the story.>
3
: the first or last part of a thing <She knotted the end of the rope.>
4
: death 1, destruction <“You'll meet the same sticky end as your parents one of these days, Harry Potter …” — J. K. Rowling, Chamber of Secrets>
6
: a player in football positioned at the end of the line of scrimmage
7
: a part of an undertaking <He kept his end of the agreement.>
2end
verb
end·edend·ing
Definition of END for Kids
Learn More About END
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Seen & Heard
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