fumigate
FYOO-muh-gayt
/ˈfjuːmɪɡeɪt/
To apply chemical fumes or gas to an area to disinfect it or kill pests.
Fumigate specifically refers to using airborne gases or smoke, usually requiring the area to be sealed or tented.
The story behind the word. Comes from the Latin verb fumigare, meaning 'to smoke.' This is a compound of fumus (smoke) and agere (to drive or do). Historically, it referred to the ancient practice of burning sulfur or aromatic herbs to purify sickrooms or ward off evil spirits.
Word relationships
- gas: Gas is more informal and can have highly negative, non-agricultural connotations.
- sanitize: Sanitize is a broader term meaning to clean or disinfect, not necessarily using gas.
- contaminate: Contaminate means to make something impure or dirty by adding harmful substances.
Commonly confused with
- spray: Spraying involves liquid droplets suspended in air, while fumigating involves true gases or fine vapors that penetrate deep into porous materials.
Word family
- fumigation (noun): The process of applying toxic gas to kill pests.
- fumigator (noun): A machine or person that applies fumigants.
Collocations
- fumigate a house
- order to fumigate
- properly fumigate
Example sentences
- "The quarantine officers ordered the crew to fumigate the cargo hold to prevent the spread of exotic beetles." A standard quarantine procedure for international shipping.
Memory hook
Think of 'fumes' filling a 'gate' or house to clear out all the hidden bugs. Filling a house with chemical fumes.
When not to use
Do not use when applying liquid sprays, solid baits, or physical traps; it must involve gas or smoke.
Fun facts
- The word 'perfume' shares the same root! It comes from the Latin 'per fumum' (through smoke), referring to the sweet-smelling smoke of burning incense.
Related words
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