Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Exterminator Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿœ
Add to dictionary

exterminator

[ษชkหˆstษœหrmษชหŒneษชtษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

pest control

A person whose job is to exterminate pests, such as insects or rodents, from a particular area.

Synonyms

pest controller, pest exterminator.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
exterminator

Similar to 'exterminator', this can be used interchangeably, though it may sometimes appear redundant.

  • The family hired an exterminator to address the bed bug problem.
  • An exterminator can handle this serious insect issue.
pest controller

More neutral and often used in a broader sense. It implies prevention and management, rather than just elimination.

  • The pest controller set up traps to manage the rodent population.
  • For routine checks, it's better to have a pest controller on a regular schedule.
pest exterminator

Combines the specificity of 'pest' with the thorough action of 'exterminator', highlighting the focus on pests, but might sound overly formal or technical in casual conversation.

  • Hiring a pest exterminator was essential to get rid of the cockroaches.
  • They specialize as pest exterminators for residential areas.

Examples of usage

  • The exterminator came to our house to get rid of the mice.
  • The exterminator sprayed the entire building to eliminate the cockroach infestation.
Context #2 | Noun

science fiction

In science fiction, an exterminator is a futuristic weapon or device used to eliminate enemies or threats.

Examples of usage

  • The protagonist used an advanced exterminator to defeat the alien invaders.
  • The soldiers carried powerful exterminators to protect themselves from the robotic drones.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

  • The profession gained prominence during the industrial revolution when urban living conditions led to increased pest problems.
  • In the 1940s, the introduction of chemical pesticides revolutionized pest control techniques extensively.

Science

  • Extermination can involve both chemicals and biological methods, such as introducing natural predators to control pest populations.
  • Common methods used include baiting, trapping, and fumigation, each suited for specific types of pests.

Cultural References

  • Exterminators have been popularized in movies, often depicted humorously or as heroes confronting exaggerated pest problems.
  • The profession has given rise to various catchphrases, such as 'We don't just kill bugsโ€”we eliminate them!'

Psychology

  • People often experience fear or anxiety regarding pests, leading to a strong reliance on extermination services for peace of mind.
  • Cognitive associations with cleanliness and order can make the profession seem crucial to maintaining a healthy living environment.

Origin of 'exterminator'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'exterminare', meaning 'to drive out' or 'to remove'.
  • It first appeared in English in the early 20th century, reflecting the growing concerns about pest control.

The term 'exterminator' originated from the Latin word 'exterminare,' which means 'to drive out' or 'to destroy completely.' It has been used in English since the mid-16th century to refer to someone who eliminates pests or enemies. Over time, the term has also been adopted in science fiction to describe advanced weaponry for combating threats.

See also: extermination.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,287, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.