exterminator

[ɪk'stɜrmɪneɪtər]
nounmasculinepl: exterminators
exterminador
1. a person whose job is to kill and remove pests such as insects or rodents from buildings
We called an exterminator to get rid of the cockroaches in our apartment.
Chamamos um exterminador para se livrar das baratas em nosso apartamento.
2. a person or thing that destroys or eliminates something completely
The general was known as an exterminator of his enemies.
O general era conhecido como um exterminador de seus inimigos.
3. a device or substance used to kill pests
This exterminator spray is effective against ants and termites.
Este spray exterminador é eficaz contra formigas e cupins.
In Brazilian culture, pest control professionals are highly valued, particularly in urban areas like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro where apartment living is common and pest infestations are frequent. The colloquial term 'dedetizador' (from the brand name 'Dedetizadora') is extremely common in Rio and other regions. In the USA, exterminators are a standard service industry profession, often called informally as 'the bug guy' or 'pest control guy' in NYC.
NYC Slang
exterminator guy, bug man, pest guy
Synonyms / Sinônimos
pest control specialistpest exterminatorextermination expertkiller
Antonyms / Antônimos
protectorpreserver

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
exterminador
standard term used throughout Brazil
São Paulo
exterminador de pragas
more formal, often specifies 'de pragas' (of pests)
Rio de Janeiro
dedetizador
common colloquial term specifically for insect control
Portugal
exterminador
standard term, though 'desinfestador' is also used for pest control

Related Words

exterminateexterminationpest controlpesticideverminfumigation

Related Idioms & Phrases

call in an exterminator
exterminator of pests
professional exterminator
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