Vermine (en. Vermin)

/vɛʁ.min/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
noun
Harmful animals or insects, such as rats or mice.
Buildings can be infested with vermin if preventive measures are not taken.
Les immeubles peuvent être envahis par la vermine si des mesures préventives ne sont pas prises.
Sometimes used pejoratively to refer to malevolent people.
He called them vermin for their unacceptable behavior.
Il les a traités de vermine pour leur comportement inacceptable.

Etymology

The word vermin comes from the Latin 'vermin', which means 'small worm' or 'pest animal'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

to be vermin
To be perceived as detestable or harmful.
être une vermine
to clean up to eliminate the vermin
To tidy up or clean to get rid of unwanted elements.
faire le ménage pour éliminer la vermine

Related Words

worm
A small animal or insect that parasitizes.
ver
parasite
An organism living at the expense of another.
parasite
infestation
The act of invading a place with harmful animals.
infestation

Slang Meanings

Used to designate hated or harmful people in a group.
This group is filled with vermin.
Ce groupe est rempli de vermine.
Referring to those who exploit others.
The exploiters are the vermin of society.
Les profiteurs sont la vermine de la société.