rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryexpireReaching a time limit
verb

expire

ik-SPY-er/ɪkˈspaɪər/

To reach the end of an allotted period.

The pass has expired, so it no longer opens the transit gate.

A transit pass stops working at a gate and shows only the brief functional status EXPIRED on the small reader display.
Etymology
exLatinout
+pireLatinto breathe

“Breathe out” developed into “breathe one's last,” or die, and then figuratively “come to an end.” A law or treaty expires when its validity ends.

In context

Swedish Talkies7:10
if your passport is about to expire you should extend it
How to apply for a work permit in Sweden | Brief discussion from the website | #migrationsverket

More examples

  • The lease expired last month, so we signed a new one.
  • You cannot use this coupon after it expires.
  • Her passport is expiring soon.

Forms

expire · expires · expired · expiring

expiration noun — The end of a set time period.

Similar words

lapse
Often describes validity ending because required action was not taken.
end
Applies to any stopping point, not just a time limit.
elapse
Describes time passing rather than something losing its validity.