terminator: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal/Technical/Science fiction
Quick answer
What does “terminator” mean?
Someone or something that terminates, ends, or eliminates something else.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Someone or something that terminates, ends, or eliminates something else.
A device or system designed to end a specific process or function, often in technology; a fictional cyborg assassin from the film franchise; the dividing line between the illuminated and dark parts of a celestial body (astronomy).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. The term is used identically in both major English varieties.
Connotations
Identical; primary connotation is the iconic film character.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in AmE due to the cultural dominance of Hollywood, but the difference is marginal.
Grammar
How to Use “terminator” in a Sentence
[Noun] + terminatorterminator + of + [Noun]terminator + for + [Process]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “terminator” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - 'Terminator' is not standardly used as a verb.
American English
- N/A - 'Terminator' is not standardly used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A - No adverbial form exists.
American English
- N/A - No adverbial form exists.
adjective
British English
- N/A - 'Terminator' is not standardly used as an adjective. The related adjectival form is 'terminating'.
American English
- N/A - 'Terminator' is not standardly used as an adjective. The related adjectival form is 'terminating'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; could refer to a contract termination clause or a product that ends a market trend.
Academic
Used in genetics (DNA terminator sequence), astronomy (day-night terminator), and electrical engineering.
Everyday
Overwhelmingly refers to the film character. Can be used figuratively for someone very determined.
Technical
Precise term for a component that ends a signal or process, e.g., in electronics or molecular biology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “terminator”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “terminator”
- Confusing 'terminator' (thing/person that ends) with 'termination' (the act of ending).
- Using it in a non-figurative everyday context and causing confusion.
- Misspelling as 'terminater'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While it's the most common association, it has precise meanings in science and technology, such as in genetics and astronomy.
It would be understood but is very informal and dramatic. 'Terminator' implies a final, often destructive end. 'Manager responsible for terminations' or simply 'the boss' is more standard.
An 'exterminator' specifically kills pests (insects, rodents). A 'terminator' is a broader term for something that ends any process, and in fiction, a specific type of assassin.
It is formal in technical/scientific contexts (e.g., 'signal terminator'). In general use, it is neutral, but its association with an action film character makes it sound informal or figurative.
Someone or something that terminates, ends, or eliminates something else.
Terminator: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɜː.mɪ.neɪ.tə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɝː.mə.neɪ.t̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “"I'll be back" (strongly associated catchphrase of the character)”
- “"like a terminator" (meaning relentless and unstoppable)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine Arnold Schwarzenegger SAYING "I'll TERMINATE YA" – TERMINATE + OR = TERMINATOR.
Conceptual Metaphor
DEATH IS A TERMINATOR (an unstoppable force that ends life); FINALITY IS A MACHINE (impersonal, inevitable conclusion).
Practice
Quiz
In which field would you MOST LIKELY professionally use 'terminator' to mean a DNA sequence?