expire

Definition

To die.

Etymology

From Middle English expire, from Middle French expirer, from Latin expīrō, exspīrō, from ex- (“out”) + spīrō (“breathe, be alive”).

Example Sentences

• "The patient expired in hospital."
• "And then, his head ſinking on his pillow, he expired; at about half an hour after ten."
• "Hippolita, ſcarce more alive than her daughter, was regardleſs of every thing but her: but when the tender Iſabella’s care would have likewiſe removed her, while the ſurgeons examined Matilda’s wound, ſhe cried, remove me! never! never! I lived but in her, and will expire with her."

Related Words