exterminate
UK: /ɪkˈstɜː.mɪ.neɪt/ | US: /ɪkˈstɝː.mɪ.neɪt/
vt. to destroy or get rid of completely, especially pests or unwanted things
vt. (historical) to drive someone out of a place by force
The word traces back to Latin exterminare ("to banish, expel"), combining ex- (out) and terminus (boundary). Originally, it described forcing someone beyond territorial limits (e.g., exile). Over time, it intensified to imply utter destruction, especially in contexts like pest control or warfare. The logic reflects a shift from spatial removal ("out of bounds") to total elimination.
The government launched a campaign to exterminate invasive species.
Ancient Romans would exterminate rebels to suppress uprisings.
Modern pesticides aim to exterminate insects without harming crops.
The dictator sought to exterminate all political opposition.
Scientists warn that overusing antibiotics could exterminate beneficial bacteria.