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

Example Sentences

A scene of the room being fumigated after Cohn leaves is equally telling.

From Salon

Trump even fumigated his property in Mar-a-Lago after Cohn visited for a birthday dinner shortly before his death.

From Salon

"Some people fumigate every three to five years because it doesn't protect structures from future infestations."

From Science Daily

Ethylene oxide is used for several purposes in industry, including as a fumigating agent for spices.

From BBC

For Nelly Vaquera-Boggs, the plastic tarps that cover strawberry fields in Monterey County when they are being fumigated with toxic chemicals offer little comfort — especially when those fields are close to schools.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• decontaminate