C1verb2K

Expire

UK /["/ɪkˈspaɪə(r)/","/ɪkˈspaɪəz/","/ɪkˈspaɪəd/","/ɪkˈspaɪərɪŋ/"]/US /["/ɪkˈspaɪər/","/ɪkˈspaɪərz/","/ɪkˈspaɪərd/","/ɪkˈspaɪərɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to be no longer legally acceptable because the period of time for which it could be used has ended

In simple words: to end or no longer be valid

Examples

  • When does your driving licence expire?
  • Our lease on the house expires next month.
  • His term of office expires at the end of June.
  • She had expired while bearing her son.

Usage notes

Use 'expire' when referring to licenses, subscriptions, or food. Not appropriate for informal contexts or slang.

Grammar pattern

expire + object (e.g., a subscription)

Memory hint

Think of an 'expired' coupon—it's like it ran out of time!

Collocations

  • be due to
  • be due to

Synonyms

  • terminate
  • finish
  • cease
  • end

Antonyms

  • continue
  • renew

Common mistakes

  • Using 'expire' with non-time related objects.
  • Confusing 'expire' with 'inspire'.
  • Incorrectly using 'expired' as a noun.