fumigation

[ fyoo-mi-gey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the process of using smoke or fumes to disinfect a place or thing or to rid it of fleas, roaches, agricultural pests, weeds, etc.:

   If the entire house gets infested with bedbugs, including clothing and furniture, we’ll have to resort to exterminators or even fumigation.

   A pesticide unavailable on the legal market is regularly employed in the fumigation of areas where illicit crops, such as coca, are produced.

Other Words From

• sub·fu·mi·ga·tion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of fumigation¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; from Latin fūmigātiōn-, stem of fūmigātiō; fumigate ( def ), -ation ( def )

Example Sentences

The peasants take equal pains in its fumigation, using various kinds of wood according to the color of leaf they wish to obtain.

From Project Gutenberg

His thoughts, however, seemed too deep for utterance, for he subsided quietly into a state of silent fumigation.

From Project Gutenberg

The Baron held up the well-known instrument of fumigation, as he spoke, in triumph.

From Project Gutenberg

And it was no wonder that at the close of the Congress the Pope at once ordered a sacred housecleaning, a divine fumigation.

From Project Gutenberg

His unhosed feet protruded from the window, probably with a view to fumigation by the salt sea breeze.

From Project Gutenberg