fumigate

[ fyoo-mi-geyt ]

verb (used with object)

, fu·mi·gat·ed, fu·mi·gat·ing.

1. to expose to smoke or fumes, as in disinfecting or exterminating roaches, ants, etc.

fumigate

/ ˈfjuːmɪˌɡeɪt /

verb

1. to treat (something contaminated or infected) with fumes or smoke

Derived Forms

• ˈfumiˌgator, noun
• ˌfumiˈgation, noun

Other Words From

• fu·mi·ga·tion [fyoo-mi-, gey, -sh, uh, n], noun
• fu·mi·ga·to·ry [fyoo, -mi-g, uh, -tawr-ee, -gey-t, uh, -ree], adjective
• un·fu·mi·gat·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fumigate¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin fūmigātus, past participle of fūmigāre “to smoke, fumigate,” equivalent to fūm(us) “smoke” + -igāre, combining form of agere “to drive, do”

Word History and Origins

Origin of fumigate¹

C16: from Latin fūmigāre to smoke, steam, from fūmus smoke + agere to drive, produce

Related Words

• decontaminate