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Definition of extermination

extermination

/ɪkˌstɝː.məˈneɪ.ʃən/
ex · ter · mi · na · tion
Plural:exterminations
•
Adjective:exterminatory
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extermination Lexical Profile

extermination Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The complete destruction or eradication of a group of living organisms, especially household or agricultural pests.

Example

"The property manager scheduled a professional extermination after discovering termites in the basement."

2

The deliberate and systematic mass killing or annihilation of a human population or entire species.

Example

"Unregulated commercial hunting in the nineteenth century led to the near extermination of the American bison."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for extermination

• Nearby Words

extenuating
exterior
exterminate
extermination
exterminator
exterminatrix
external

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Late Latin exterminatio, originally meaning 'expulsion beyond boundaries,' from ex- ('out of') and terminus ('boundary'). In the 16th century, the meaning shifted from driving someone out of a territory to destroying or wiping out completely.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Extermination. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/extermination
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