finish

I. verb Etymology: Middle English finisshen, from Anglo-French finiss-, stem of finir, from Latin finire, from finis Date: 14th century intransitive verb 1. a. to come to an end ; terminate b. end 1b 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 Synonyms: see close • finisher noun II. noun Date: 1779 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