exterminer

to exterminate, to wipe out

verb ex-tehr-mee-NEH Rare

Origin: Latin 'exterminare' (to drive beyond boundaries)

Usage Note

exterminer is a strong, formal verb applied to populations, pests, or armies. The noun extermination is used in historical discussions of genocide. In informal speech, French speakers sometimes use it hyperbolically for eliminating all members of a team or group.

Examples

"Les soldats ont exterminé l'ennemi."

Natural Translation

The soldiers exterminated the enemy.

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