exterminator — A person or company whose job is to kill insects or animals that are causing damage, especially in a house
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: A person or company whose job is to kill insects or animals that are causing damage, especially in a house
Pronunciation (IPA): /ɪkˈstɝːmɪneɪtər/
Example Sentences
- We called an exterminator because our house was full of cockroaches.
- The exterminator looked more terrified of the spider than the spider was of him.
- She hired an exterminator to deal with the mice living in her attic.
exterminator
NOUN[/ɪkˈstɝːmɪneɪtər/]
A person or company whose job is to kill insects or animals that are causing damage, especially in a house
The exterminator sprays under the sink while cockroaches flee in every direction.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Derived from Latin 'exterminare' (to drive out beyond boundaries), composed of 'ex-' meaning 'out' and 'terminus' meaning 'boundary' or 'end'. Originally signifying to expel completely beyond borders, the term evolved to mean 'to destroy utterly' or 'to annihilate'.
Breakdown
ex- (out, away) + terminus (boundary, end) + -ate (verb suffix) + -or (one who performs an action). The agent noun 'exterminator' denotes one who exterminates or destroys completely.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“We called an exterminator because our house was full of cockroaches.”
“The exterminator looked more terrified of the spider than the spider was of him.”
“She hired an exterminator to deal with the mice living in her attic.”
“My neighbor works as a professional exterminator, so he's basically a superhero for anyone who hates bugs.”
“The exterminator sprayed the entire basement to get rid of the ant infestation.”
📚Related Words
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