finish

fin•ish

[[t]ˈfɪn ɪʃ[/t]] v. t.

1) to bring (something) to an end or to completion; complete

2) to come to the end of (a course, period of time, etc.):

to finish school[/ex]

3) to use completely (often fol. by up or off):

to finish up a can of paint[/ex]

4) to overcome completely; destroy or kill (often fol. by off):

This spray will finish off the cockroaches[/ex]

5) to complete and perfect in detail; put the final touches on (sometimes fol. by up):

She finished up a painting[/ex]

6) to put a finish on (wood, metal, etc.)

7) to perfect (a person) in education, accomplishments, social graces, etc

8) to come to an end

9) to complete a course, project, etc. (sometimes fol. by up)

10) ahb. (of livestock) to achieve the desired market weight

11) the final part or last stage

12) the end of a hunt, race, etc.:

a close finish[/ex]

13) a decisive ending:

a fight to the finish[/ex]

14) the quality of being finished with smoothness, elegance, etc

15) educational or social polish

16) bui the surface coating of wood, metal, etc

17) something used to finish or perfect a thing

18) bui a final coat of plaster or paint

19) a material for application in finishing

20) vin the flavor remaining in the mouth after a wine has been swallowed

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Etymology: 1300–50; ME < AF, MF finir < L fīnīre to end fin′ish•er, n.