Scotching

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. Bringing a definite end to an idea, plan, or rumor by preventing progress or belief
2. Putting a firm stop to something so it cannot continue or be successful
3. Preventing something from happening or spreading by taking clear and final action

Etymology: The sense of "scotching" that means stamping something out for good has little to do with its original meaning. Its oldest ancestor, Middle English "scocchen", meant simply "to cut", and the idea behind it was a notch or incision. Scholars think it may come from Anglo-Norman "escocher", "to notch", which was built from Old French "coche", "notch", with an intensive prefix that strengthened the sense of cutting. From cutting into something, the verb moved toward finishing it off. A wound or a snake's back could be cut through, and a thing cut through is damaged beyond repair. That shift from a physical slash to decisive destruction explains how a word about notching wood came to describe ending a rumour, a rebellion or a disease before it can spread.

Synonyms: preventing, stopping, suppressing, halting, quelling

Antonyms: encouraging, promoting, fostering, supporting, allowing