snuff Hear it!

snuff1 definition

snuff (snuf)

noun

the charred end of a candlewick

Etymology: ME < ?

transitive verb

  1. to trim off the charred end of (a candlewick)
  2. to put out (a candle) with snuffers or by pinching
  3. Slang to kill; murder

Etymology: ME snuffen < the n.

adjective

designating or of a kind of pornographic film that shows someone being murdered as the climax of sexual activity
snuff Idioms

snuff out

  1. to put out (a candle, etc.); extinguish
  2. to bring to an end suddenly; destroy
snuff2 definition

snuff (snuf)

transitive verb

  1. to draw in through the nose; inhale strongly; sniff
  2. to smell, sniff, or sniff at

Etymology: < MDu snuffen < Gmc *snuf- < IE *sneup < base *sneu-: see snout

intransitive verb

to sniff or snort

noun

  1. the act or sound of snuffing; sniff
  2. a preparation of powdered tobacco that is inhaled by sniffing, chewed, or rubbed on the gums
  3. smell; scent
snuff Idioms

up to snuff

  1. Informal up to the usual standard, as in health, quality, etc.
  2. Brit., Informal not easily deceived; alert

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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