insecticide

[in-sek-tuh-sahyd]

noun

1. a substance or preparation used for killing insects.

2. the act of killing insects.

insecticide

/ ɪnˈsɛktɪˌsaɪd /

noun

1. a substance used to destroy insect pests

insecticide

1. A pesticide used to kill insects. Chlordane and DDT are insecticides.

2. Compare fungicide herbicide rodenticide

Other Word Forms

• insecticidal adjective
• noninsecticidal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of insecticide¹

First recorded in 1860–65; insect + -i- + -cide

Example Sentences

He added the best way to avoid the virus was to "avoid being bitten" by covering up and using insecticide.

From BBC

Current efforts aim to kill mosquitoes with insecticide rather than curing them of malaria.

From BBC

There are also some natural substances that are used as pesticides in organic agriculture, often isolated hormones or chemicals from plant tissues that are used as insecticides.

From Salon

To deal with the increasing outbreaks, farmers are resorting to using herbicides and insecticides that can damage soil quality in the long term and also pose health risks.

From BBC

The carcinogenic insecticide did not show up in a single unregulated product.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• defoliant 
• fungicide 
• pesticide