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

The facilities use a toxic gas called ethylene oxide to sanitize medical and dental equipment and fumigate certain food products.

From ProPublica

Homes were ransacked, belongings were burned in an effort to fumigate the area, and the city’s anti-infection posse looted shops and took sledgehammers to windows.

From Time

To stop the spread of fungal diseases, farmers fumigate the soil with toxic chemicals that lay waste to the land, sparing not even the beneficial microbes teeming in the earth.

From Science News

When the returning B-29s touched down, teams fumigated them to dissipate the smell of burning flesh.

From Washington Post

The English were furious, threatening terrible things if any one attempted to fumigate them.

From Project Gutenberg

I had to burn my blankets and fumigate my tent before I could sleep in it again, but I guess I had better shut up.

From Project Gutenberg

A tar-pot having been found, Mr Collinson then sent the men below, to fumigate the cabin and the forepeak.

From Project Gutenberg

After eating heartily, more especially after supper, they burn certain gums and herbs and fumigate themselves to produce sleep.

From Project Gutenberg

If green fly makes its appearance, fumigate the house; but if only a few shoots are infested, dip them in tobacco water.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• decontaminate