erlosch

erlosch is the simple past tense form (Präteritum) of the German verb erlöschen, meaning to go out, extinguish, or die out. It is used to describe something that has ceased burning, shining, or existing. The term can be literal (a flame or light) or figurative (a movement, trend, or institution that has ended). In narrative prose and reports, erlosch commonly describes events that happened in the past.

Etymology: The verb erlöschen derives from the prefix er-, indicating a change of state or completion, combined with löschen, meaning to extinguish. The core meaning centers on cessation of a state, such as a flame, light, or vigor.

Conjugation and usage: erlosch is the simple past (Präteritum) form for the third-person singular. The past participle is erloschen, used with the auxiliary ist to form the present perfect: Das Feuer ist erloschen. The verb is intransitive in its core sense of going out, though it can appear with objects in extended constructions.

Examples: Das Feuer erlosch langsam in der Nacht. Die Kerze erlosch plötzlich, als der Wind durch das Fenster zog. In figurativem Sinn kann auch eine Bewegung erloschen sein: Der Widerstand erlosch nach Jahren intensiver Aktivität.

See also: erlöschen, löschen, ausgehen.