Definition

Having the quality of causing something to become extinct or to cease to exist.

Example

The extinctive forces of climate change are threatening many species.

Conversation

Have you heard about the new law to protect endangered species?

Yeah, it's important to prevent extinctive practices in wildlife management.

I completely agree! It's sad to think about how many animals we've lost.

Right? We need to do everything we can to stop that from happening again.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Extinctive → It is formed from "ex-" (meaning out) and "stinct" (from Latin "stinguere", meaning to quench or extinguish) with the suffix "-ive" (meaning having the nature of). The word "extinctive" refers to having the nature of causing something to be extinguished or wiped out.

Memory Tip

Think of something that causes things to be 'out' ('ex-') and 'extinguished' ('stinguere') — that's why extinctive means having the nature of causing extinction.

Visually Confused Words