1fin·ish 
/ˈfɪnɪʃ/ verb
fin·ish·es; fin·ished; fin·ish·ing /ˈfɪnɪʃ/ verb 1 a : to reach the end of (something) : to stop doing (something) because it is completed [+ obj] ▪ He finished (giving) his speech and sat down. ▪ He hasn't finished his work yet. = He hasn't finished working yet. ▪ You can't watch TV until you finish your homework. [no obj] ▪ He started his homework two hours ago and he still hasn't finished. ▪ I'll wait here until you finish. = I'll wait here until you have finished. — compare finished 1a
b : to be done with building or creating (something) [+ obj] ▪ They hope to finish their new home by winter. [no obj] ▪ They're building a new home and they hope to finish by winter. — compare finished 1b
c : to cause something to end or stop : to reach the end of something [+ obj] ▪ The chairman finished the meeting at noon. [no obj] ▪ The meeting finished [=ended] at noon. ▪ The meeting finished on a positive note. 2 [+ obj] a : to cause the ruin or failure of (someone or something)
▪ These allegations could finish his career as a politician. = These allegations could finish him as a politician. — compare finished 2b
b : to kill (someone or something already wounded) — usually + off ▪ The crowd in the arena shouted for the gladiator to finish off his opponent.
c : to defeat or exhaust (someone) completely — usually + off ▪ Climbing so many stairs just about finished me off. 3 [+ obj] : to use, eat, or drink all that is left of (something)
▪ They finished (off/up) the pie before I got a chance to have a slice. ▪ I've had enough wine. You can finish (off) the rest of the bottle. 4 : to end a race, competition, etc., in a specified position or manner [no obj] ▪ The horse I bet on finished third. ▪ The horse finished in third place. ▪ Our team started poorly but finished well. [+ obj] ▪ The horse I bet on finished the race in third place. ▪ Our team finished the season in first place. 5 [+ obj] : to put a final coat or surface on (something)
▪ He finished the table with varnish.
b : to be done with building or creating (something) [+ obj] ▪ They hope to finish their new home by winter. [no obj] ▪ They're building a new home and they hope to finish by winter. — compare finished 1b
c : to cause something to end or stop : to reach the end of something [+ obj] ▪ The chairman finished the meeting at noon. [no obj] ▪ The meeting finished [=ended] at noon. ▪ The meeting finished on a positive note.
▪ These allegations could finish his career as a politician. = These allegations could finish him as a politician. — compare finished 2b
b : to kill (someone or something already wounded) — usually + off ▪ The crowd in the arena shouted for the gladiator to finish off his opponent.
c : to defeat or exhaust (someone) completely — usually + off ▪ Climbing so many stairs just about finished me off.
▪ They finished (off/up) the pie before I got a chance to have a slice. ▪ I've had enough wine. You can finish (off) the rest of the bottle.
▪ He finished the table with varnish.
finishing touch
: one of the last things done to make something complete — usually plural ▪ They're putting the finishing touches on their new home. ▪ He's putting the finishing touches on his latest novel.
finish with [phrasal verb] 1 finish with (something) : to have no further need for (something) : to stop using (something)
▪ Could I see the newspaper when you finish with it? 2 finish with (someone) : to stop being involved with (someone) : to end a romantic relationship with (someone)
▪ She and her boyfriend had another fight, and now she says she's going to finish with him once and for all. — compare finished 2a 3 finish with (someone or something) : to stop dealing with, working on, or punishing (someone or something)
▪ When I finish with him he'll be sorry! ▪ I haven't finished with you yet! — see also finished
▪ Could I see the newspaper when you finish with it?
▪ She and her boyfriend had another fight, and now she says she's going to finish with him once and for all. — compare finished 2a
▪ When I finish with him he'll be sorry! ▪ I haven't finished with you yet! — see also finished
