verb (used without object), ex·pired, ex·pir·ing.
- to come to an end; terminate, as a contract, guarantee, or offer.
- to emit the last breath; die.
- to breathe out.
- to die out, as a fire.
verb (used with object), ex·pired, ex·pir·ing.
- to breathe out; emit (air) from the lungs.
- Archaic. to give off, emit, or eject.
verb
- (intr) to finish or run out; cease; come to an end
- to breathe out (air); exhale
- (intr) to die
v.c.1400, “to die,” from Middle French expirer (12c.) “expire, elapse,” from Latin expirare/exspirare “breathe out, breathe one’s last, die,” from ex- “out” (see ex-) + spirare “to breathe” (see spirit). “Die” is the older sense in English; that of “breathe out” is first attested 1580s. Of laws, patents, treaties, etc., mid-15c. Related: Expired; expiring. v.
- To breathe one’s last breath; die.
- To exhale.