To Let Something Die Out
To Put An End To Something
transitive verb, godan verb
Remember how 絶える means "to die out?" Well 絶やす is its transitive version, meaning to let something die out or to put an end to something.
絶やす is used when you stop something from continuing, like ending a family line, letting a tradition fade, or allowing a fire to go out. You know this because if you're putting an end to something, you probably don't like it, so you say "YAASS" (やす) with a big evil grin as you let it die out.
Note that 絶やす often appears in its negative form 絶やさない, because it's commonly used to describe the intent not to let something precious or important come to an end.
The reading comes from 絶える.
笑顔を絶やさない
never stop smiling, always keep a smile
火を絶やさない
not let the fire go out
伝統を絶やさない
not let traditions die out
子孫を絶やさない
never let the family line end
彼女はいつも笑顔を絶やすことがなかった。
She never let her smile die out.
夜の間、火を絶やさないように気をつけるんだぞ。
Make sure the fire doesn't go out during the night.
今にも消えそうな命の灯を絶やさないために、彼はピザを注文した。
To keep the flickering light of life from going out, he ordered a pizza.
日本の伝統を絶やしてはなりません。どうすれば私たちの文化を守ることができるのか、共に考えてください。
We must not let Japan's traditions fade. Please think with me about how we can protect our culture.