Definition of end

Short definition: The word end means the point where something finishes or stops, whether that is a story a journey a job or even a feeling, and it often reminds us that every beginning eventually leads to a closing moment.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word end? The word end is used when something finishes, stops, or reaches its final point, but it is also common when people talk about goals, results, or even difficult moments in life. Sometimes end sounds serious, sometimes it feels hopeful, depending on the situation. Below, each meaning is explained in a calm and natural way, so it feels real, human, and easy to understand.

Forms: end, ends, ended, ending
Related: ending n., final adj., finish v.
Syllable: end

1. (Noun) The point where something stops or finishes, whether it is an event, a story, or a period of time.

   The end is the moment when something comes to a close, like the end of a movie, the end of a school year, or the end of a long journey, and it often marks a change from one stage to another.

   The movie had a happy end.
   At the end of the day, everyone felt tired.
   This is not the end, just a new beginning.

   Synonyms: finish, conclusion, closing, finale, last part, final moment, wrap up, stopping point, termination, ending point, final stage, close
   Antonyms: beginning, start, opening, first part, launch, introduction, start point, birth, origin, kickoff, onset, beginning stage

2. (Verb) To stop something or bring it to its final stage.

   To end something means to make it finish, like ending a meeting, ending a relationship, or ending a project after everything is done.

   They decided to end the discussion early.
   She ended the call politely.
   The coach ended the practice session.

   Synonyms: finish, stop, close, conclude, wrap up, bring to an end, finalize, complete, shut down, call off, terminate, end off
   Antonyms: start, begin, open, launch, continue, keep going, extend, carry on, restart, renew, resume, proceed

3. (Noun) A result or outcome that comes after everything else.

   Sometimes end means the result of a situation, like the end of hard work being success or the end of conflict being peace.

   In the end, honesty mattered most.
   The end of his efforts was success.
   At the end, they finally understood each other.

   Synonyms: result, outcome, consequence, conclusion, final result, payoff, resolution, final effect, closing result, ultimate point, last outcome, finish line
   Antonyms: cause, beginning step, starting point, origin, source, opening action, first move, kickoff result, initial stage, early phase, start cause, origin point

4. (Noun) A physical edge or the farthest point of something.

   The end can also mean the far side or edge of a place or object, like the end of the road, the end of the table, or the end of a rope.

   He sat at the end of the table.
   The store is at the end of the street.
   Hold the end of the rope tightly.

   Synonyms: edge, tip, far side, limit, boundary, tail, last part, outer point, finish line, far edge, border, final edge
   Antonyms: middle, center, middle part, midpoint, core, inside, heart, middle area, central point, inner part, core area, middle zone

5. (Slang) Something people say to show they are done talking or finished with a topic.

   In casual speech, people sometimes say end or “that’s the end” to mean they are done explaining, arguing, or discussing something and don’t want to continue the topic.

   I’ve said my part, end of story.
   That’s it, end.
   We talked enough, end of discussion.

   Synonyms: that’s it, finished, done, period, full stop, no more, end of story, final word, closed topic, finished talking, conversation over, enough said
   Antonyms: continue, keep talking, more to say, open discussion, go on, still talking, not finished, keep going, ongoing talk, continue the topic, more discussion, carry on

6. (Slang) A dramatic way to describe something very intense, shocking, or life changing.

   In modern slang, people sometimes use end to describe something that feels extreme, like saying “this is the end” when something feels overwhelming or like a big turning point in life.

   Failing that exam felt like the end of everything.
   That breakup felt like the end of the world.
   Losing the job felt like the end, but it wasn’t.

   Synonyms: disaster feeling, dramatic moment, breaking point, emotional low, crisis moment, dark phase, heavy moment, rock bottom feeling, worst time, turning point, dramatic low, life shock
   Antonyms: fresh start, new beginning, hope moment, turning upward, positive change, second chance, bright future, new phase, restart feeling, recovery point, hopeful time, comeback moment