French Conversation · Level 131
45 words
French word
exterminer
Pronunciation
IPA/ɛkstɛʁmine/
Meaning
- verbeliminate
Example
Il faut exterminer les insectes dans la maison.
The insects in the house have to be eliminated.
More examples
Nous devons exterminer les rats du garage.
We must exterminate the rats in the garage.
Core concept
Pests or another living group completely removed from a place.
Common phrases
exterminer les insectes
exterminate the insects
exterminer les rats
exterminate the rats
Similar words
se débarrasser de: To get rid of unwanted or troublesome things.
éliminer: To eliminate harm or obstacles.
enlever: To remove an object or dirt from a place.
supprimer: To delete unnecessary items or information.
Definition in French
Signifie faire disparaître complètement un groupe d'êtres vivants, en particulier des nuisibles
Word origin
The French verb derives from Latin exterminare, formed around the idea of driving something beyond its limit before acquiring the sense of total destruction.
Usage tips
- Exterminer has a strong, destructive tone, so éliminer is often less extreme for ordinary removal or elimination.