What is the word origin of extinct?

The word "extinct" comes from the Latin word "extinctus", which is the past participle of the verb "extinguere".

"Extinguere" means "to quench, put out, extinguish, destroy". It is composed of "ex" (out) and "stinguere" (to quench).

Therefore, "extinct" literally means "quenched out", referring to the state of being completely destroyed or eliminated.