godan verb (-su), transitive verb
exterminate; wipe out; eradicate
Used for completely eliminating living things, groups, or abstract things like hopes or traditions. Often implies deliberate action.
害虫を絶やすために農薬を使った。
We used pesticide to exterminate the pests.
Many tribes were wiped out in that war.
godan verb (-su), transitive verb
let go out; let die; run out of
Often used with fire, plants, or resources. Implies failing to maintain something so it ceases to exist.
キャンプファイヤーの火を絶やさないように薪をくべた。
We added firewood so as not to let the campfire go out.
水やりを忘れて花を絶やしてしまった。
I forgot to water the flowers and let them die.