Pronunciation: [ɛkstˈɪŋɡwɪʃ fˈa͡ɪ͡ə] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the phrase "extinguish fire" is /ɪkˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ faɪr/. In this phonetic transcription, "ɪk" represents the short "i" sound in "extinguish", while "ˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ" denotes the stressed syllable with the "ng" sound. "Faɪr" is spelled with the "ai" diphthong sound for "i" and "r" at the end indicating a silent letter. This phrase refers to the action of putting out a fire or quenching flames.
"Extinguish fire" refers to the act of quenching or putting out a fire, thereby bringing it to an end or preventing its spread. The process involves various techniques and tools designed to remove the three essential elements required for combustion: fuel, heat, and oxygen.
To extinguish a fire, several methods can be employed, depending on the type and size of the fire. One commonly used approach is the application of water or a fire extinguishing agent, such as foam or dry chemical powder. Water absorbs heat from the fire, decreases its temperature, and suffocates it by reducing the available oxygen. Fire extinguishers, which are portable devices containing a specific extinguishing agent, are commonly used for small fires.
Another method is smothering the fire with a fire blanket or by covering it with a non-flammable material, such as sand or dirt, which cuts off the oxygen supply and starves the fire. In some cases, fires can be extinguished by suppressing the oxygen supply through the use of specialized fire suppression systems, like carbon dioxide (CO2) or halon systems, which displace the oxygen from the fire area.
Moreover, certain fires fueled by flammable liquids or electrical equipment require specific extinguishing agents or techniques to avoid further hazards. These can include foam, carbon dioxide, or dry powders that do not conduct electricity.
Overall, to extinguish a fire is to employ actions or resources to halt and control the destructive process of combustion, preventing further damage and peril.
The word "extinguish" can be traced back to the Latin word "extinguere", which is a combination of the prefix "ex-" meaning "out", and the verb "stinguere" meaning "to quench" or "to extinguish". In Latin, "stinguere" is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*steg" meaning "to quench" or "to extinguish". The addition of "fire" to "extinguish" simply specifies the type of thing being extinguished.
