Meaning & Definition of word "Exterminate"
Exterminate
/ɪkˈstɜːrmɪneɪt/
verb:
- 1. To destroy completely; to wipe out.
- Example: The pest control company was hired to exterminate the rodent infestation in the building.
- 2. To kill off or eliminate a particular group or species.
- Example: Conservationists are working to save the endangered species from exterminate by habitat loss.
- 3. To annihilate or eradicate.
- Example: The dictator's regime aimed to exterminate any opposition to its rule.
Etymology
●Late Latin 'exterminare', from 'ex-' meaning 'out' and 'terminare' meaning 'to limit or end.'
Common Phrases and Expressions
exterminate all life:
to completely destroy all living beings in a particular area.
exterminated from existence:
to be completely removed or eliminated from the world.
Related Words
extinction:
the state or process of a species, family, or larger group being or becoming extinct.
eradication:
the complete destruction of something, often used in context of diseases or pests.
Slang Meanings of exterminate
Meaning: To kill or remove something or someone decisively.
● Example Sentence: He was planning to exterminate all competition in the game.
Meaning: To finish off a task or nuisance ruthlessly.
● Example Sentence: She went on a cleaning spree to exterminate all the mess in her room.