# exterminate

> English word · Verb · IPA /ɛkˈstəː.mɪ.neɪt/ · frequency rank #32,388

## Definitions
1. To kill or otherwise permanently eliminate all of (a population of pests or undesirables), usually intentionally.
2. To bring a definite end to; to finish completely.

## Etymology
Borrowed from Latin exterminātus, perfect passive participle of exterminō (see -ate (verb-forming suffix)), from ex- (“thoroughly”) + terminō (“to finish, close, end”), from terminus (“limit, end”) + -ō (verb-forming suffix).

## Easily confused with
- **exterminator** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/exterminate-vs-exterminator)

## Common misspellings (16)
`etxerminate`, `exetrminate`, `extemrinate`, `exterimnate`, `extermiante`, `exterminaet`, `exterminatte`, `exterminnate`, `extermintae`, `extermminate`, `extermniate`, `exterrminate`, `extreminate`, `extterminate`, `exxterminate`, `xeterminate`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/exterminate