exterminate

ex-ter-mi-nate · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To destroy completely, especially a group of living things.

  2. 2.

    To kill all members of a group of people.

Related words

Antonyms: preserve, protect, save
See also: extermination, exterminator, extinction
Synonyms: annihilate, destroy, eliminate, eradicate

Etymology

From Latin exterminare meaning "to drive out, expel," from ex- meaning "out" and terminus meaning "boundary." The meaning shifted from "banishment" to "complete destruction."