vermin
UK: ˈvɜːmɪn | US: ˈvɜːrmɪn
n. Small wild animals or insects that are harmful to crops, property, or human health (e.g., rats, fleas, cockroaches).
n. (Derogatory) People regarded as despicable or parasitic.
vermin = verm<worm> + in<noun suffix>
- verm (from Latin vermis "worm") → Historically associated with creeping or crawling pests.
- in (noun-forming suffix) → Used to denote collective or plural forms (e.g., "a group of").
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin vermis (worm), reflecting early associations with parasitic or destructive creatures. Over time, it expanded to include rodents and insects, then metaphorically to undesirable humans. The suffix -in (via Old French vermine) generalizes the term for collective harm.
Farmers struggle to control vermin that damage their grain stores.
The abandoned building was infested with vermin.
He called the thieves "vermin" for preying on the elderly.
Public health campaigns aim to reduce urban vermin populations.
Medieval cities often suffered outbreaks due to vermin-borne diseases.