verb
exterminate
ehk-STUH-mih-nayt
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.”
verb
1
To destroy or kill off completely, especially a group of pests or people.
"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.
When to use it
A strong word — used for pests, or, in a more disturbing sense, for genocide; not used casually.
Common pairings
exterminate pests
exterminate vermin
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- exterminates
- Past tense
- exterminated
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").
Related words
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").
