terminate
Meaning: To bring to an end; to conclude or discontinue something, especially formally or officially.
Terminate is a formal, often bureaucratic or legal synonym for 'end.' It is used in professional contexts: terminating a contract, terminating employment, terminating a lease. In transport, a train or bus that 'terminates' at a station ends its journey there. The word is more abrupt and final than 'conclude' or 'finish,' and in employment contexts it often implies dismissal. Common collocations include 'terminate a contract,' 'terminate employment,' and 'this service terminates at.'
Examples
- The company reserved the right to terminate the contract with thirty days' written notice. 该公司保留提前三十天书面通知终止合同的权利。La empresa se reservó el derecho de rescindir el contrato con treinta días de preaviso por escrito.会社は30日前の書面通知をもって契約を終了する権利を留保しました。회사는 30일 전 서면 통지로 계약을 해지할 수 있는 권리를 보유했습니다.
- This train terminates at Edinburgh Waverley; all passengers must alight here. 本列车终点站为爱丁堡韦弗利站,所有乘客请在此处下车。Este tren finaliza su recorrido en Edinburgh Waverley; todos los pasajeros deben descender aquí.この列車はエディンバラ・ウェイバリー駅が終点です。すべてのお客様はここでお降りください。이 열차는 에든버러 웨이벌리역이 종착역입니다. 모든 승객은 이곳에서 하차해 주시기 바랍니다.
- Her employment was terminated after a disciplinary hearing found her in breach of company policy. 经纪律听证会认定她违反公司政策后,她的雇佣关系被终止。Su contrato fue rescindido después de que un expediente disciplinario determinara que había incumplido la política de la empresa.懲戒聴聞会で会社の方針に違反したと認定された後、彼女の雇用は打ち切られました。징계 청문회에서 회사 방침 위반이 인정된 후 그녀의 고용이 해지되었습니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: professional, academic
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin terminare (to limit, set bounds to, end), from terminus (boundary, end). It entered English in the early 16th century. The euphemistic use for firing an employee became common in the 20th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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