Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's English Dictionary - snuff out

1. To snuff out something such as a disagreement means to stop it, usually in a forceful or sudden way. Every time a new flicker of resistance appeared, the government snuffed it out... The recent rebound in mortgage rates could snuff out the housing recovery. PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V P n (not pron) 2. If you snuff out a small flame, you stop it burning, usually by using your fingers or by covering it with something for a few seconds. Tenzin snuffed out the candle. PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P