First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1finish
verb fin·ish \ˈfi-nish\
: to reach the end of (something) : to stop doing (something) because it is completed
: to be done with building or creating (something)
: to cause something to end or stop : to reach the end of something
Full Definition of FINISH
intransitive verb
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
See finish defined for English-language learners
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Origin of FINISH
Middle English finisshen, from Anglo-French finiss-, stem of finir, from Latin finire, from finis
Related to FINISH
- Synonyms
- complete, consummate, finalize, perfect, polish, get through
- Antonyms
- begin, commence, inaugurate, open, start
Synonym Discussion of FINISH
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>.
2finish
noun
: the last part of something
: the final coating on a surface or the appearance produced by such a coating
Full Definition of FINISH
1
: something that completes or perfects: as a : the fine or decorative work required for a building or one of its parts b : a finishing material used in painting c : the final treatment or coating of a surface d : the taste in the mouth after swallowing a beverage (as wine)
2
a : final stage : end b : the cause of one's ruin
3
: the result or product of a finishing process <a glossy finish>
4
: the quality or state of being perfected
See finish defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of FINISH
1779
Related to FINISH
Rhymes with FINISH
FINISH Defined for Kids
1finish
verb fin·ish \ˈfi-nish\
fin·ishedfin·ish·ing
Definition of FINISH for Kids
1
: to bring or come to an end : complete
2
: to use up completely <I finished the pie.>
3
: to end a competition in a certain position <I finished third in the race.>
4
: to put a final coat or surface on <He finished the wood table with varnish.>
Word Root of FINISH
The Latin word finis, meaning “end” or “boundary,” gives us the root fin. Words from the Latin finis have something to do with ends or limits. Something final, such as the last chapter in a book, is the ending one. To confine is to put limits or boundaries around something. To finish something is to come to its end. Something finite has limits and happens only for a certain amount of time or in a certain space before it ends.
2finish
noun
Definition of FINISH for Kids
1
: 1end 2, conclusion <The race had a close finish.>
2
: the final treatment or coating of a surface or the appearance given by such a treatment <The table has a shiny finish.>
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