insecticide
in-SEK-tuh-syd
/ɪnˈsektɪsaɪd/
A chemical substance specifically formulated for killing insects.
Insecticide is narrower than pesticide, targeting only members of the class Insecta (and sometimes closely related arachnids).
The story behind the word. Coined in the mid-19th century from Latin insectum (segmented animal, from insecare 'to cut into') and the suffix -cida (killer). It was created specifically to distinguish insect-killing chemicals from broader agricultural poisons.
Word relationships
- bug spray: Bug spray is an informal, everyday term that can refer to both repellents and contact killers, whereas insecticide is a technical chemical agent.
Commonly confused with
- pesticide: Pesticide is the broad category for any pest-killing chemical, while insecticide is a specific subcategory designed only for insects.
Word family
- insecticidal (adjective): Having the properties of an insecticide.
Collocations
- apply insecticide
- chemical insecticide
- organic insecticide
- insecticide resistance
Example sentences
- "The farmer sprayed a targeted insecticide to protect his cotton crop from boll weevils." An agricultural application.
Memory hook
Think of 'insect-icide' as 'insect suicide' caused by a chemical spray. A chemical that kills insects.
When not to use
Do not use if the chemical targets weeds (herbicide), fungi (fungicide), or rodents (rodenticide).
Fun facts
- Some plants, like chrysanthemums, produce natural insecticides called pyrethrins to protect themselves from being eaten.
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