exterminar

Senses

1. 1.

   to exterminate

   to destroy or eliminate completely, especially a species, group, or enemy

2. 2.

   to wipe out

   to eradicate or remove entirely from existence

3. 3.

   to kill off

   to destroy all members of a population or group

Examples

• "El gato intentaba exterminar a los ratones de la casa."

  The cat was trying to wipe out the mice in the house.

• "La campaña de salud pública logró exterminar la enfermedad en la región."

  The public health campaign managed to eradicate the disease in the region.

• "Quieren exterminar a la población de insectos que invaden los cultivos."

  They want to exterminate the population of insects that are invading the crops.

Usage

A formal, serious verb often used in biological, medical, or military contexts. Can describe the elimination of pests, diseases, or populations. Synonyms include erradicar (eradicate) and eliminar (eliminate), though exterminar emphasizes total destruction.