fumigate

[fyoo-mi-geyt]

verb (used with object)

fumigated, fumigating 

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

Other Word Forms

• fumigator noun
• fumigation noun
• fumigatory adjective
• unfumigated 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

At that time the Salvation Army said pest control was brought in to fumigate the rooms affected.

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

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

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

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

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Related Words

• decontaminate