Exterminator

/ɪkˈstɜːrməˌneɪtər/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A person whose job is to eliminate pests or vermin, especially insects, from a property or area.
The exterminator arrived promptly to deal with the rat infestation in the basement.
A device or product used to kill pests, often referring to chemical sprays or traps.
We bought a powerful exterminator to help with the termite problem in our house.
A person or entity that eliminates or destroys something completely.
The villain in the movie was portrayed as an exterminator of all opposing forces.

Etymology

From the Latin 'exterminare', meaning 'to drive out, remove'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

pest extermination
The process of eliminating pests from a place.
exterminator services
Professional services offered for pest removal.
DIY extermination
Do-it-yourself methods for pest control.

Related Words

pest
An unwanted animal or insect that can cause damage or harm.
insecticide
A chemical used to kill insects.
rodent
A small animal such as a mouse or rat.

Slang Meanings

Bug zapper
We need to get a bug zapper before the summer barbecue.
Terminator
That guy is the terminator of pests; he's smacked that bug problem down hard.