exterminate
Exterminate (verb) means to destroy or kill off completely, especially a group of pests or people. Example: “The company was hired to exterminate the rats in the basement.”
How to use exterminate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo kill off or wipe out completely, usually a pest or population.
A strong word — used for pests, or, in a more disturbing sense, for genocide; not used casually.
Word forms
exterminated past tense, exterminates singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The company was hired to _____ the rats in the basement.
Etymology
From Latin exterminare, "to drive out" or "destroy", from ex- ("thoroughly") plus terminus ("boundary, end").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for exterminate
See all rhymes for exterminate →Frequently asked questions
What does “exterminate” mean?
The word “exterminate” means to destroy or kill off completely, especially a group of pests or people. In plain terms, to kill off or wipe out completely, usually a pest or population.
How do you pronounce “exterminate”?
“Exterminate” is pronounced ehk-STUH-mih-nayt (/ɪkˈstɝ.mɪ.neɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “exterminate” in a sentence?
Here is “exterminate” used in a sentence: “The company was hired to exterminate the rats in the basement.”
What part of speech is “exterminate”?
“Exterminate” is a verb.
Where does the word “exterminate” come from?
The word “exterminate” comes from Latin. From Latin exterminare, "to drive out" or "destroy", from ex- ("thoroughly") plus terminus ("boundary, end").