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Exterminated: meaning, definitions and examples

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exterminated

 

[ ɪkˈstɜːrmɪneɪtɪd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

destruction of

To exterminate means to completely destroy or erase something, often associated with the eradication of pests, diseases, or even populations in a metaphorical or historical context. The term is frequently used in discussions about pest control, genocide, or any situation where total elimination is intended. It conveys a sense of thoroughness in the act of destruction and is usually considered to carry negative connotations due to its association with violence and extinction.

Synonyms

annihilate, eliminate, eradicate, obliterate.

Examples of usage

  • The company hired an expert to exterminate the termites in the old building.
  • During the war, there were efforts to exterminate the enemy forces.
  • The pesticides are designed to exterminate harmful insects without affecting pets.
  • The organization aims to exterminate the invasive species threatening local wildlife.

Translations

Translations of the word "exterminated" in other languages:

🇵🇹 exterminado

🇮🇳 नष्ट किया गया

🇩🇪 ausgerottet

🇮🇩 dieksekusi

🇺🇦 знищений

🇵🇱 wytępiony

🇯🇵 絶滅させられた

🇫🇷 exterminé

🇪🇸 exterminado

🇹🇷 imha edilmiş

🇰🇷 근절된

🇸🇦 مُعْتَزَل

🇨🇿 vyhlazený

🇸🇰 vyhladený

🇨🇳 灭绝

🇸🇮 iztrebljen

🇮🇸 útrýmt

🇰🇿 жойылған

🇬🇪 გამოწყვეტილი

🇦🇿 məhv edilmiş

🇲🇽 exterminado

Etymology

The word 'exterminate' originates from the Latin 'exterminare', which means 'to drive out' or 'to expel'. This Latin term is composed of the prefix 'ex-', meaning 'out', and 'terminare', meaning 'to limit or end'. The use of 'exterminate' in English has been prevalent since the late 15th century, initially relating to the concept of driving out elements considered undesirable or harmful. Over the centuries, the term has taken on darker connotations, especially in relation to the Holocaust and other genocides, where it was used to describe the systematic killing of entire populations. Its usage in pest control has also popularized the term in discussions about extermination of insects and other pests that threaten human habitations or agriculture. Today, the term is often employed in both literal and figurative contexts, reflecting its evolution in the English language.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,175, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.