Basic Details
Word: Exterminate
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To completely get rid of or destroy something, especially pests or unwanted creatures.
Synonyms: Eradicate, eliminate, annihilate
Antonyms: Preserve, save, protect
Idioms and Phrases
- Exterminate the competition: To completely defeat or eliminate rivals. Example: "With their innovative product, they aimed to exterminate the competition in the market."
- Exterminate all hope: To crush any remaining chance of success or a positive outcome. Example: "The unexpected news seemed to exterminate all hope of winning the game."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The pest control company was hired to exterminate the cockroach infestation in the restaurant.
Example 2: Many scientists are working hard to exterminate diseases that affect millions of people worldwide.
Example 3: The gardener used special sprays to exterminate harmful weeds before they could overtake the plants.
Fun Fact
The word "exterminate" comes from the Latin word "exterminare," which means "to drive out or away." It is often used in context with pests, but it can also refer to eliminating problems or negative situations.
Famous Quote
"In the long run, the sharpest weapon of all is a kind and gentle spirit." Anne Frank - while not directly about extermination, it implies the power of kindness over destruction.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "exterminate" mean?
a) To create
b) To get rid of completely
c) To build
d) To discover
Answer: b) To get rid of completely
2. Which of these is a synonym of "exterminate"?
a) Preserve
b) Eradicate
c) Save
d) Keep
Answer: b) Eradicate
3. Which word is an antonym of "exterminate"?
a) Destroy
b) Eliminate
c) Protect
d) Annihilate
Answer: c) Protect
4. Which sentence uses "exterminate" correctly?
a) We need to exterminate more flowers in the garden.
b) They plan to exterminate all the weeds before the summer.
c) She will exterminate her homework after dinner.
d) He will exterminate a cake for the party.
Answer: b) They plan to exterminate all the weeds before the summer.
5. What does the idiom "exterminate the competition" mean?
a) To make friendships with rivals
b) To completely defeat or eliminate rivals
c) To create new competition
d) To join forces with other businesses
Answer: b) To completely defeat or eliminate rivals
