Top 39 Slang For Terminate – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to ending things, whether it’s a conversation or a project, having the right slang can make all the difference. Join us as we uncover the top slang terms for “terminate” that will add a punch to your vocabulary and keep you in the loop with the latest trends. From casual to more formal expressions, we’ve got you covered with this essential list. Get ready to level up your language game!

Click above to generate some slangs

1. Ax

To “ax” someone means to fire them from their job. This term is often used informally to indicate a sudden and unexpected termination. It suggests that the termination was swift and decisive, like the swing of an ax.

For example, a boss might say, “I had to ax John from the team because of his poor performance.”
In a conversation about layoffs, someone might ask, “Did they ax anyone from your department?”
A disgruntled employee might say, “I can’t believe they axed me after all my hard work.”

2. Can

To “can” someone means to dismiss or fire them from their job. This term is often used in a casual or slangy way to refer to termination.

For instance, a coworker might say, “Did you hear they canned Sarah? She was always late.”
In a discussion about layoffs, someone might ask, “How many people did they can?”
A manager might say, “We had to can him because he violated company policy.”

3. Pink slip

A “pink slip” refers to a termination notice or a layoff notice. The term originates from the practice of printing termination notices on pink-colored paper.

For example, someone might say, “I got a pink slip today. They’re downsizing the department.”
In a conversation about job security, a person might ask, “Have you heard any rumors of pink slips going around?”
A recently terminated employee might say, “Getting a pink slip was a shock. I didn’t see it coming.”

4. Sack

To “sack” someone means to terminate or fire them from their job. This term is often used informally and implies a sudden and unexpected dismissal.

For instance, a coworker might say, “They sacked Jim yesterday. I guess they didn’t like his work.”
In a discussion about layoffs, someone might ask, “Who else got the sack?”
A person might say, “I was let go from my job, but I’m already looking for a new opportunity.”

5. Let go

To “let go” of someone means to terminate or fire them from their job. This term is often used in a more neutral or gentle way to refer to termination.

For example, a manager might say, “We had to let go of a few employees due to budget cuts.”
In a conversation about job security, someone might ask, “Have they let go of anyone in your department?”
A person might say, “I was let go from my job, but I’m confident I’ll find something new soon.”

6. Canned

To be “canned” means to be fired or let go from a job. It is often used to describe a sudden and unexpected termination.

For example, “I got canned from my job yesterday, and now I’m looking for a new one.”
A person might say, “My boss just canned me for no reason at all.”
In a conversation about layoffs, someone might mention, “A lot of people in the company got canned during the restructuring.”

7. Booted

To be “booted” means to be kicked out or removed from a situation or position. It can refer to being fired from a job, expelled from a school, or even removed from a social group.

For instance, “He was booted from the team after failing a drug test.”
A person might say, “I got booted from the club because I broke the rules.”
In a discussion about disciplinary actions, someone might mention, “Students can be booted from school for serious offenses.”

8. Cut loose

To be “cut loose” means to be let go or terminated from a job or position. It implies a sudden and unexpected termination.

For example, “I was cut loose from my job without any warning.”
A person might say, “The company decided to cut loose a lot of employees to save money.”
In a conversation about downsizing, someone might mention, “A lot of people were cut loose during the restructuring process.”

9. Dismissed

To be “dismissed” means to be fired or let go from a job. It can also refer to being excluded or not taken seriously in a social or professional setting.

For instance, “She was dismissed from her position after multiple complaints.”
A person might say, “I feel dismissed by my coworkers because they don’t value my opinion.”
In a discussion about workplace dynamics, someone might mention, “Employees who consistently underperform may be dismissed.”

10. Axed

To be “axed” means to be fired or let go from a job. It implies a sudden and decisive termination.

For example, “He was axed from the company due to budget cuts.”
A person might say, “I’m worried I might get axed if I don’t meet my sales targets.”
In a conversation about layoffs, someone might mention, “The company axed a significant number of employees to stay afloat.”

11. Laid off

This term refers to being terminated or dismissed from employment, often due to company downsizing or budget cuts.

For example, “I got laid off from my job yesterday, so now I’m looking for new opportunities.”
A person might say, “My company is going through some financial difficulties, and they had to lay off a few employees.”
In a discussion about the current economic climate, someone might mention, “Many people are being laid off due to the pandemic.”

12. Discharged

This term is commonly used in a military context to indicate the termination of a soldier’s service. However, it can also be used more broadly to refer to being dismissed or let go from any type of duty or responsibility.

For instance, “After completing his term of service, the soldier was discharged from the army.”
In a work setting, someone might say, “I was discharged from my position due to poor performance.”
A person discussing their experience might mention, “I was discharged from the volunteer organization because I couldn’t commit enough time.”

13. Dropped

This term is often used when someone is no longer part of a specific group or team, either by choice or due to being dismissed.

For example, “I got dropped from the basketball team because I missed too many practices.”
In a conversation about friendships, someone might say, “After our argument, she dropped me as a friend.”
A person discussing their experience might mention, “I dropped out of the club because I didn’t enjoy the activities anymore.”

14. Released

In the context of termination, “released” refers to being set free from a particular situation, such as a job or contract.

For instance, “I was released from my contract early due to unforeseen circumstances.”
In a discussion about prison, someone might say, “After serving their sentence, the inmate was released back into society.”
A person discussing their experience might mention, “I was released from my position after completing my project.”

15. Removed

This term implies being taken out of a position or situation, often involuntarily.

For example, “The manager removed me from the project because of a conflict of interest.”
In a conversation about a political figure, someone might say, “The scandal led to the president being removed from office.”
A person discussing their experience might mention, “I was removed from the team because I didn’t meet the performance expectations.”

16. Ousted

To be forced out of a position or role, often due to a loss of power or authority. The term “ousted” implies a sudden and forceful removal from a position of authority.

For example, “The CEO was ousted from the company after a series of scandals.”
In a political context, one might say, “The corrupt politician was finally ousted from office.”
A news headline might read, “Coach Ousted After Team’s Poor Performance.”

17. Expelled

To be forcibly removed or banned from a place or organization. “Expelled” usually implies a more formal and official removal, often as a result of misconduct or breaking rules.

For instance, “The student was expelled from school for cheating on exams.”
In a disciplinary context, one might say, “The employee was expelled from the company for violating the code of conduct.”
A news report might state, “The dictator expelled foreign journalists from the country.”

18. Dismiss

To terminate someone’s employment or remove them from a position. “Dismiss” can also mean to disregard or ignore something.

For example, “The manager dismissed several employees due to budget cuts.”
In a legal context, one might say, “The judge dismissed the case due to lack of evidence.”
A person discussing a disagreement might say, “I tried to explain my point, but he just dismissed my concerns.”

19. Give the boot

To forcefully remove or eject someone from a place or position. “Give the boot” is a colloquial expression that implies a sudden and definitive termination.

For instance, “The landlord gave the boot to the noisy tenants.”
In a comedic context, one might say, “The bouncer gave the boot to the unruly patron.”
A person discussing a failed relationship might say, “I finally gave him the boot after months of mistreatment.”

20. Pink-slipped

To be terminated or let go from a job, often due to downsizing or financial reasons. “Pink-slipped” refers to the practice of giving employees a written notice of termination, traditionally printed on pink paper.

For example, “Many employees were pink-slipped during the company’s restructuring.”
In a news report, one might say, “Hundreds of workers were pink-slipped as the factory shut down.”
A person discussing their own experience might say, “I was pink-slipped last month and have been searching for a new job ever since.”

21. Give walking papers

This phrase means to dismiss or terminate someone from their job or position. It is often used when someone is let go suddenly or unexpectedly.

For example, “After the company’s financial troubles, many employees were given walking papers.”
In a discussion about layoffs, someone might say, “The company decided to give walking papers to several employees.”
A manager might use this phrase when letting an underperforming employee go, saying, “I’m sorry, but we have to give you walking papers.”

22. Give the heave-ho

This slang phrase means to fire or terminate someone. It can also be used to refer to ending a relationship or getting rid of something or someone.

For instance, “After multiple warnings, the employee was given the heave-ho.”
In a conversation about breaking up, someone might say, “I finally gave my toxic ex the heave-ho.”
A person discussing a bad purchase might say, “I regret buying that expensive gadget, so I gave it the heave-ho.”

23. Show the door

This phrase means to terminate someone’s employment or remove them from a position. It implies a forceful or abrupt dismissal.

For example, “After the incident, the employee was shown the door.”
In a discussion about workplace conflicts, someone might say, “If someone is causing trouble, it’s best to show them the door.”
A manager might use this phrase when firing an employee, saying, “I’m sorry, but we have to show you the door.”

24. Pink-slipping

This slang term refers to the act of terminating someone’s employment, often due to downsizing or budget cuts. It originates from the practice of issuing employees a pink slip, or a written notice of termination.

For instance, “During the recession, many companies resorted to pink-slipping employees.”
In a conversation about job insecurity, someone might say, “I’m worried about getting pink-slipped because of the company’s financial situation.”
An HR manager might use this term when discussing layoffs, saying, “We have to pink-slip several employees due to the budget constraints.”

25. Call it a day

This phrase means to stop working or to finish a task or activity. While it doesn’t specifically refer to termination or firing, it can be used in the context of ending a job or project.

For example, “After completing the final report, we can call it a day.”
In a discussion about quitting a job, someone might say, “I’ve had enough, I’m going to call it a day.”
A manager might use this phrase when announcing the end of a project, saying, “Great job, everyone! Let’s call it a day and celebrate our success.”

26. Pull the plug

This phrase is often used to describe ending something abruptly or suddenly, especially when it comes to stopping a project, event, or activity. It can also refer to withdrawing support or resources from something.

For example, “The company decided to pull the plug on the new product after poor sales.”
In a discussion about a failing business, someone might say, “It’s time to pull the plug and cut our losses.”
A person might use this phrase to describe ending a relationship, saying, “I finally had to pull the plug on that toxic friendship.”

27. Cut off

This slang term is often used to describe abruptly ending or terminating something, especially a relationship, communication, or support.

For instance, “She cut off all contact with her ex after the breakup.”
In a conversation about a failing project, someone might suggest, “We should cut off funding and move on.”
A person might say, “I had to cut off ties with that toxic person for my own well-being.”

28. Wrap up

This phrase is commonly used to describe finishing or concluding something, often in a timely manner or before a deadline. It can refer to completing a task, project, or event.

For example, “Let’s wrap up this meeting so we can move on to the next agenda item.”
In a discussion about a movie production, someone might say, “We need to wrap up filming by the end of the month.”
A person might use this phrase to describe finishing a conversation, saying, “Well, it was great catching up with you. Let’s wrap this up.”

29. Shut down

This slang term is often used to describe closing or putting an end to something, especially a business, operation, or activity. It can also refer to stopping or ending a process or system.

For instance, “The company decided to shut down its manufacturing plant due to financial difficulties.”
In a conversation about a failing project, someone might suggest, “It’s time to shut down this initiative and start fresh.”
A person might say, “I had to shut down that rumor before it spread any further.”

30. Cease and desist

This phrase is often used to demand the immediate cessation of an activity, especially when it comes to illegal or unauthorized actions. It can also be used more informally to tell someone to stop doing something.

For example, “The company sent a cease and desist letter to the competitor for copyright infringement.”
In a discussion about a disruptive behavior, someone might say, “I’ve had enough. Cease and desist your actions.”
A person might use this phrase to firmly tell someone to stop bothering them, saying, “I’ve asked you nicely multiple times. Cease and desist.”

31. Put an end to

This phrase is often used to describe the act of stopping or finishing something.

For example, “The company decided to put an end to the project due to budget constraints.”
In a conversation about relationships, someone might say, “I finally put an end to that toxic friendship.”
A manager might instruct their team, “Let’s put an end to these rumors and focus on our work.”

32. Finish off

This slang phrase is commonly used to describe the act of completing or finishing something, often with a sense of finality.

For instance, “The team worked together to finish off the project before the deadline.”
In a game, a player might say, “I need to finish off this level to move on to the next.”
A chef might say, “I’ll finish off the dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.”

33. Nix

This slang term is used to describe the act of canceling or rejecting something, often abruptly or decisively.

For example, “The boss nixed the idea of a company-wide vacation.”
In a conversation about plans, someone might say, “Let’s nix the idea of going out tonight and stay in instead.”
A producer might say, “We had to nix that scene from the final cut of the movie.”

34. Knock off

This slang phrase is commonly used to describe the act of completing or finishing something, often with a sense of speed or force.

For instance, “I need to knock off these tasks before the end of the day.”
In a conversation about chores, someone might say, “Let’s knock off these dishes and then we can relax.”
A writer might say, “I’m going to knock off this chapter before taking a break.”

35. Pull the trigger

This slang phrase is often used to describe the act of making a decision or taking action, especially when it involves significant consequences or finality.

For example, “After months of consideration, he finally pulled the trigger and quit his job.”
In a conversation about investments, someone might say, “I’m nervous about pulling the trigger on this stock.”
A team leader might say, “We’ve discussed the options long enough. It’s time to pull the trigger and move forward.”

36. Close out

To close out a project, you need to tie up all loose ends and ensure that all tasks are completed.

For example, a manager might say, “Let’s close out this quarter and start fresh next month.”
In a sports context, a commentator might say, “The team needs to close out the game with a strong defensive effort.”
A student might tell their friend, “I need to close out this semester with good grades.”

37. Boot

To boot someone means to forcefully remove or eject them from a place or situation.

For instance, a bouncer might say, “I had to boot that unruly customer out of the bar.”
In a computer context, someone might say, “I had to boot my computer because it froze.”
A friend might jokingly say, “If you keep annoying me, I’m going to boot you from our group chat.”

38. Lay off

To lay off someone means to dismiss or terminate their employment, usually due to financial or organizational reasons.

For example, a company might say, “Due to budget cuts, we have to lay off some employees.”
In a conversation about job security, someone might say, “I hope they don’t lay off any workers during the restructuring.”
A friend might say, “I got laid off yesterday. I need to start looking for a new job.”

39. Downsize

To downsize means to reduce the size or scale of something, often referring to a company or organization reducing its workforce.

For instance, a company executive might say, “We need to downsize our operations to remain competitive.”
In a discussion about housing, someone might say, “After our kids moved out, we decided to downsize to a smaller home.”
A friend might say, “I’m downsizing my wardrobe and donating clothes I no longer wear.”