end
[1]
n
1 the extremity of the length of something, such as a road, line, etc.
2 the surface at either extremity of a three-dimensional object
3 the extreme extent, limit, or degree of something
4 the most distant place or time that can be imagined
the ends of the earth
5 the time at which something is concluded
a the last section or part
b (as modifier)
the end office
7 a share or part
his end of the bargain
8 often pl a remnant or fragment (esp. in the phrase odds and ends)
9 a final state, esp. death; destruction
10 the purpose of an action or existence
11 (Sport) either of the two defended areas of a playing field, rink, etc.
12 (Bowls, etc.) a section of play from one side of the rink to the other
13 (American and Canadian football) a player at the extremity of the playing line; wing
14 ♦
all ends up totally or completely
15 ♦
a sticky end
Informal an unpleasant death
16 ♦
at a loose end or (U.S. and Canadian) at loose ends without purpose or occupation
17 ♦
at an end exhausted or completed
18 ♦
at the end of the day See →
day →
10
19 ♦
come to an end to become completed or exhausted
a with the end pointing towards one
b with the end adjacent to the end of another object
21 ♦
go off the deep end
Informal to lose one's temper; react angrily
23 ♦
make (both) ends meet to spend no more than the money one has
24 ♦
no end (of)
Informal (intensifier)
I had no end of work
b without pause or interruption
a the worst, esp. something that goes beyond the limits of endurance
b (Chiefly U.S.) the best in quality
27 ♦
the end of the road the point beyond which survival or continuation is impossible
28 ♦
throw (someone) in at the deep end to put (someone) into a new situation, job, etc., without preparation or introduction
Related adjs →
final →
terminal →
ultimate
vb
29 to bring or come to a finish; conclude
30 to die or cause to die
31 tr surpass; outdo
a novel to end all novels
32 ♦
end it all
Informal to commit suicide, (See also)
→
end up
(Old English ende; related to Old Norse endir, Gothic andeis, Old High German endi, Latin antiae forelocks, Sanskrit antya last)
♦
ender n