Meaning & Definition
verb
To destroy completely; to wipe out.
The pest control company was hired to exterminate the rodent infestation in the building.
To kill off or eliminate a particular group or species.
Conservationists are working to save the endangered species from exterminate by habitat loss.
To annihilate or eradicate.
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.
Slang Meanings
To kill or remove something or someone decisively.
He was planning to exterminate all competition in the game.
To finish off a task or nuisance ruthlessly.
She went on a cleaning spree to exterminate all the mess in her room.