The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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expire

verb

/ɪkˈspaɪər/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of expire

To come to the end of a specific period of time, validity, or duration.
"The lease on the apartment will expire in three weeks."

Detailed meaning of expire

It is often used to describe the termination or cessation of something, such as a contract, agreement, license, subscription, or legal document. When an item or situation expires, it means that it is no longer in effect, valid, or usable beyond a certain point. For example, a driver's license may expire after a certain number of years, requiring renewal. Similarly, a food product may have an expiration date indicating that it should not be consumed after a specified time to ensure safety and quality. The verb 'expire' can also be used in a broader sense, beyond time-related contexts, to signify the ending or conclusion of something, such as a job, lease, or term. Overall, 'expire' conveys the idea of reaching the end of a defined period, resulting in the termination, invalidation, or discontinuation of a particular entity or situation.

Example sentences containing expire

1. My driver's license will expire next month.
2. The warranty on the electronic device expired last year.
3. The coupon code expired yesterday, so it is no longer valid.
4. Her membership in the club will expire at the end of the month.
5. The offer to purchase the house will expire if not accepted by Friday.
6. The contract with the vendor is set to expire in two days.

History and etymology of expire

The verb 'expire' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'expirare,' which is a compound of 'ex-' meaning 'out' and 'spirare' meaning 'to breathe.' In its original sense, 'expirare' conveyed the idea of breathing out or exhaling, which metaphorically evolved to represent the end or cessation of something. This etymology highlights the concept that when something 'expires,' it has reached the end of a specific period of time, validity, or duration, much like the exhalation of breath marks the conclusion of a breath cycle. The use of 'ex-' implies an outward movement, and 'spirare' emphasizes the idea of breath, both of which are metaphorically applied to the passing or ending of a particular time frame or state, reflecting the word's Latin origins.

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Further usage examples of expire

1. The promotional discount will expire at midnight tonight.
2. His visa is about to expire, and he needs to renew it urgently.
3. The subscription to the streaming service will expire in three days.
4. The time limit to return the item and get a refund will expire soon.
5. The deadline for submitting the application will expire at 5:00 p.m.
6. The insurance policy will expire on the last day of this year.
7. The warranty for the car's engine will expire after 100,000 miles.
8. The temporary license plate will expire in a week.
9. The promotional sale on clothing will expire at the end of the month.
10. The opportunity to take advantage of the discount will expire soon.
11. The time frame to redeem the gift voucher will expire in two months.
12. The parking meter is about to expire, so I need to add more time.
13. The grace period for paying the bill will expire tomorrow.