expire
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ɪkˈspaɪə/
KK: /ɪkˈspaɪər/
intransitive verb
Definition
To come to an end or to no longer be valid or in effect.
Example
My subscription will expire next month, so I need to renew it soon.
Tense Forms
Past: expired
Past Participle: expired
Conversation
Did you remember to renew your gym membership before it expired?
Oh no, I totally forgot about that!
Yeah, I just found out mine is about to expire too.
Let's both go together and sort it out this weekend!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
terminate
conclude
cessate
Antonyms
begin
start
commence
transitive verb
Definition
To breathe out or release something, often used in the context of air or gas.
Example
He took a deep breath and then expired the air slowly.
Tense Forms
Past: expired
Past Participle: expired
Conversation
Did you know that some flowers expire after just a few days?
Really? I had no idea they had such a short life.
Yeah, it's fascinating how they expire so quickly under certain conditions.
Root Explanation
Expire → It is formed from "ex-" (meaning out) and "spirare" (meaning to breathe). The word "expire" originally referred to the act of breathing out, and it has come to mean the end of a period or the cessation of life.
Memory Tip
Think of the idea of 'breathing out' ('spirare') when something comes to an end ('ex-'). This helps you remember that 'expire' means to come to an end or to cease.
Visually Confused Words
coexpire
empire
unexpired